ABSTRACT HISTORY 



OF THE 



Mississippi Baptist Association 



FOR ONE HUNDRED YEARS 



From Its Preliminary Organization in 1806 



TO THE 



CENTENNIAL SESSION IN 1906 



BY T. C. SCHILLING 



PRESS OF J. G. HAUSER 

"THE LEGAL PRINTER" 

620-622 POYORAS STREET 

NEW ORLEANS, LA. 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 



PREFACE. 

Since the re-publication of the Minutes of the Mississippi 
Baptist Association in 1849, by Elder T. M. Bond, several at- 
tempts have been made to re-publish the proceedings of the body 
from its organization, and have the same bound in book form. 
From time to time the matter has been discussed and committees 
have been appointed, with a view to preserving the history of the 
oldest Baptist Association in Mississippi. It was found, however, 
that to re-publish in book form the entire minutes from the be- 
ginning would be an expensive undertaking, and hence these 
repeated efforts all ended in failure. 

In 1906 the centennial of the Association was celebrated, and 
for this occasion I was appointed by the Centennial Committee 
to prepare a paper on "Reminiscences" of the body for one hun- 
dred years. This task naturally led to a perusal of the old min- 
utes and such other historical matter as, I could obtain. This 
work suggested the possibility of preparing and publishing a 
historical sketch of the Association. At the next meeting, held 
at Gillsburg, Miss., in 1907, the plan was submitted for considera- 
tion. It met with approval, and being the Clerk of the body, I 
was accordingly authorized to prepare such a sketch and publish 
the same with the minutes of that session. 

Having secured a complete file of the Minutes, the work of 
writing the "historical sketch" was begun. I soon discovered, 
however, that the work was much greater than I had supposed. 
I began to curtail here and there, leaving out many things of in- 
terest and importance because of my limited time and space. In- 
stead of the task growing less, it grew larger day by day, until 
it became evident that nothing like a satisfactory historical sketch 
could be published in this way. I then called an advisory meet- 
ing of the officers, pastors and others interested, and laid before 
them a new plan, viz. : that of publishing an Abstract History 
of the Association in a separate book. These brethren were kind 
enough to again endorse my suggestions, and accordingly gave 
me "free access of full capacity." 



PBEFACE. 



With this freedom of action I have pursued the work with 
much interest, changing, enlarging and adding to the original 
plan as it has been given to me to see it for the best. And I 
have been much encouraged by many kind expressions from pas- 
tors and others, not only in the Mississippi Association, but from 
different parts of the country. "When it is remembered that the 
"Old Mississippi" once occupied all the territory from Natchez 
to New Orleans, and from the Mississippi river to the Pearl, 
and even beyond, it is but natural that our Baptist people of this 
section should be interested in a history of the body covering 
one hundred years. 

In regard to the pictures and biographies, I have felt that 
these are entirely appropriate, as the history of the Association 
is largely the history of the men who have made it. And the 
effort has been made, both by private correspondence and 
through the papers, to get the pictures and sketches of still other 
brethren who were once identified with the work of the body, 
but without success. A few pictures and biographies are given 
of ministers who were never in the Mississippi Association, but 
as they lived and labored in the territory mentioned, it seems 
proper to give them a place. And, indeed, it would have been 
a genuine pleasure to bring in still others, equally as worthy, 
but our limit was reached. 

While no literary excellence is claimed for the book, it will be 
found, I hope, to be tolerably free from errors. I have some- 
times used different tenses in writing of the same meeting, in 
order to give variety of expression, and to give, if possible, a new 
interest to these meetings, held in the long ago. No effort has 
been made to divide the book into subjects or chapters, since 
each meeting of the Association was usually complete within it- 
self. It is believed that the statistical tables at the close of the 
book will be found valuable for reference, giving as they do the 
names of officers, number of baptisms and members, also amount 
of contributions for each year from 1807 to 1906. A list is given 
of all the ministers belonging to the Association for this long 
period, also one of all the churches, with the date of reception. 
Absolute accuracy is not claimed for these tables, yet they are 
approximately correct. 



PREFACE. 



It will be observed that I have used few titles. In this I have 
followed the example of abler writers, and also that of the early 
Baptists of this country. I have also employed the term "dele- 
gate/' most commonly, though sometimes using the word "mes- 
senger, ' ' when speaking of brethren sent by the churches to the 
Associational meetings. 

Acknowledgment is made to L. S. Foster's book, "Mississippi 
Baptist Preachers/' to the "Complete History of Mississippi 
Baptists/' to "Protestantism in Mississippi/' and to the "Bup- 
tist Encyclopedia," for important facts and dates. 

The book is sent forth with the devout hope and prayer that 
it may have a wide reading, and that it may be blessed of God in 
the promotion of His cause. 

T. C. SCHILLING. 

Magnolia, Miss., May, 1908. 

Note.— LA. coincidence : The work of republishing the minutes 
of the Mississippi Association in 1849, compiled by Elder 
Thomas M. Bond, was done by Messrs. Hinton & Company, 107 
Poydras Street, New Orleans. Fifty-nine years afterwards the 
present Abstract History is being published in the same city 
and on the same street. T. C. S. 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 



INDEX TO PORTRAITS. 



PAGE. 

New Providence Church 21 

James A. Jenkins , 82 

Zachariah Reeves 86 

Milton S. Shirk 92 

William Fortinberry 98 

John Everett 101 

Ivy F. Thompson r .. . 102 

Stephen Jackson 104 

Robert T. Rice , 105 

J. R. Graves 112 

Chas. H. Otken 115 

Peter Turner 117 

Hamilton McKnight and Wife 126 

W. W. Bolls 130 

W. Z. Lea, Sr. 132 

E. B. McLain * 134 

Solomon Buffkin ,., 137 

H. H. Rateliff 139 

J. R. Sample 140 

Lorenzo Schofield 142 

James Newman 145 

Silas H. Thompson 148 

Thomas Landsdell and Wife 153 

Walter E. Tynes 155 

Willis J. Fortinberry 159 

Chas. Felder Crawford 161 

William H. Schilling 163 

W. H. Tucker 166 

W. A. Gill 172 

L. S. Piker 174 

Albert G. Felder 175 

G. B. Rogers 179 

Chapel Car, "Good Will" 181 

Z. T. Leavell 182 

R. N. Hall 188 

D. M. Huff 189 



INDEX TO PORTRAITS. 



PAGE. 

Eugene De Witt Schilling 190 

Henry G. Quin 195 

J. R. Baham 198 

R. J. Stewart 201 

M. T. Martin 208 

P. L. Marsalis 211 

T. J. Hewitt 214 

Samuel J. Ellzey 215 

E. A. Bates 218 

Blisha Gardner 220 

John P. Culpepper 221 

J. Benjamin Lawrence 225 

J. J. Walker 227 

Sam B. Robinson 228 

James B. Quin 229 

W. A. Hewitt 231 

J. H. Lane 233 

W. H. Causey 235 

W. K. Anderson 236 

J. J. Stringfield 237 

T. C. Schilling 240 

J. D. Lea 243 

W. B. Kinabrew 245 

W. A. McComb 249 

T. J. J. Spurlock 252 

T. J. Barksdale 253 

S. W. Sproles 254 

Joseph Jacob 256 

A. H. Clark 259 

W. I. Causey 260 

T. H. Anding , 261 

A. V. Rowe 263 

Ebenezer Church 265 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 



ABSTRACT HISTORY 

OF THE 

Mississippi Baptist Association 



1806-1906 



First Baptist Settlement in Mississippi. 

Before proceeding with the history of the Association proper, 
it may be well to give some account of the first Baptist settlement 
in Mississippi, and of the organization of the first five Baptist 
churches. For this purpose the following lengthy extracts are 
taken from the "History of Mississippi Baptists/' by Leavall 
and Bailey, Vol. I, Chapter 1st: 

''The revolt of the American colonies from British rule, to- 
gether with England's complications with France, gave Spain 
an opportunity to seize from England all the country along the 
Mississippi from Xew Orleans up to and including the Natchez 
country in 1779, and in 1783. the King of England ceded the 
whole of "West Florida (including Mississippi) to the King of 
Spain ; and thus our commonwealth, then territory, passed under 
Spanish rule, and at the same time the King of England recog- 
nized the independence of the United States of America. 

"'As soon as Spanish rule was established in the Natchez coun- 
try, Roman Catholicism was declared to be the only allowable 
religion in the land. The hand of persecution was then raised 
against every one who dared to dissent from Romanism. 

"About the year 1743 there lived in Dinwiddie County, near 
Petersburg, Virginia, a newly-married couple of Welsh descent, 
by the name of William and Phoebe Jones. Mr. Jones soon after 
died, leaving a young widow and an only son, by the name of 
John. Within a few years of the death of her husband, Mrs. 
Jones married the man who will hereafter be known in these 
(2) 



10 ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 

sketches as Richard Curtis, senior, by which marriage they had 
five sons and three daughters. After the marriage of Mrs. Jones 
to Mr. Curtis, we have no very satisfactory knowledge of the 
family for about thirty years. In the meantime, John Jones, 
the son of Mrs. Curtis by her first marriage, had grown up 
to manhood, and on the 28th of June, 1768, had married Miss 
Anna Brown, daughter of Abraham Brown. At the breaking 
out of the Revolutionary war, the family was found in South 
Carolina, on the Great Pedee river, near the mouth of Black 
river, and about sixty miles from Charleston. At the Declara- 
tion of Independence John Jones ardently espoused the cause of 
the Revolutionists— served three campaigns against the British 
and Tories, under that indomitable warrior, Captain, afterwards 
General, Francis Marion, and was in several battles, including 
the siege of Charleston. His stepfather and half brothers doubt- 
less took part in the war, but precisely what their services were 
can not now be ascertained. By the close of 1779, Mr. Jones 
and the Messrs. Curtis— the stepfather and half brothers— had 
rendered themselves so obnoxious to their Tory neighbors, by 
their devotion to the Colonial cause that they found their situa- 
tion not only vexatious, but perilous. In the meantime, several 
of the leading members of the family had embraced religion and 
joined a Baptist church, among whom were John Jones, William, 
Benjamin and Richard Curtis, and their wives, John Courtney, 
who had married Hannah Curtis, and John Stampley, who 
had married Phoebe Curtis, daughters of Richard Curtis, senior. 
We may safely presume that the elder Richard Curtis and his 
wife were also members of the same church, but of this we have 
no certain knowledge. Richard Curtis, junior, was at the time of 
which we write a licensed preacher. While the family were con- 
stantly annoyed and imperiled by the horrors of the war at 
their very doors, their property nearly exhausted, and but little 
prospects of better days near at hand, and having heard much 
sa.id about the salubrious climate, rich lands, exhaustless ransre 
and abundance of eame in the far-off 'Natchez country'; and be- 
ing oppressed in mind, as well as in their outward circumstances, 
they determined to seek a peaceful home far to the westward, 
quite beyond the vexations and dangers of the bloody war still 
in progress throughout the United Colonies. Accordingly, early 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 11 

in the spring of 1780, they mounted their wives and small chil- 
dren, with their scant supply of clothing, tools and furniture, 
on pack-horses— the men traveling on foot, with their hunting 
apparatus to kill game by the way—and proceeded across the 
country to the Hlolston river, in the northeastern corner of 
Tennessee, where they paused during the summer to build their 
boats and to raise a crop of corn, preparatory to their descent by 
water to the ' Natchez country. ' When the water had attained a 
sufficient depth for navigation, toward the close of the year, they, 
with other immigrant families, embarked their all of earthly 
substance on three large and well-built flat boats, and com- 
mitting themselves to the protection of God, started on their 
perilous journey. They turned their backs upon their early 
homes, and their faces to the setting sun, and the smiling south. 
"It was, at best, a hazardous undertaking to descend the Hol- 
ston, Tennessee, Ohio, and Mississippi rivers in such water craft 
as they were able to construct ; but what made it doubly hazard- 
ous, was the belligerent stand which the Cherokee Indians had 
taken against all immigration through their country. They often 
availed themselves of the narrows, shoals and sudden turns in 
the Holston and Tennessee rivers to attack immigrant boats. 
Our voyagers, being fully aware of that fact, went as well pre- 
pared for it as their limited resources would allow, and kept a 
constant watch for the approach of their stealthy foes. * * * 
For the sake of mutual protection these immigrants had agreed 
to 'float their three boats as near each other as they conveniently 
could. The foremost boat contained Richard Curtis, Sr., and hk 
immediate family, including John Jones and family, and his own 
sons and daughters with their families. The second boat con- 
tained two brothers by the name of Daniel and William Ogden, 
and a man by the name of Perkins, with their families, most cf 
whom were Baptists. There is no record of the names of tho*e 
in the third boat. They seem to have fallen in with the other 
boats for the sake of protection in descending to Natchez. The 
voyagers in the last named boat had in some way contracted the 
smallpox, and, to prevent the contagion from spreading to the 
other boats, they were required to float a few hundred yards in 
the rear and to occupy a different landing at night. After float- 
ing unmolested for several days, the hostile savages espied the 



12 ABSTKACT HISTOBY OF THE 

boats somewhere near the mouth of Clinch river, and fixed on a 
short bend in the Tennessee river, near the northwestern corner 
of Georgia, as the place of attack. Having to float near the shore 
to keep in the channel, the foremost boat was violently assailed 
by the lurking Cherokees. All hands on board commenced a 
vigorous and well-directed defense. That her husband might be 
released to use his rifle on the assailants, Mrs. Jones put her 
eldest son, William, then in his twelfth year, at the oar, whiJe 
she held a thick poplar stool between him and the bullets, and it 
was well she did, for it was pierced by one of the leaden missiles. 
After the danger was all over. Mrs. Jones laughingly remarked 
that 'their guns were very weak, as they did not make a deep 
impression' on her stool. Another lady heroically took the steer- 
ing oar from her husband that he might use his rifle on the foe, 
and with unfaltering courage, guided the boat until disabled by 
a wound. Hannah Courtney was grazed on the head by a rifle 
ball, and Jonathan Curtis was slightly wounded on the wrist, but, 
so far as known no life was lost. While the attention of the 
assailants was mainly directed to the first boat, the second floated 
by unharmed. 

"The third boat was captured and every one on it murdered 
except one lady, who was held as a captive, until finally, by 
treaty, restored to her friends. But the Indians contracted small- 
pox from the infection on the boat, and a number of them died 
from the plague, 'which passed through their villages like the 
destroying angel'; and it is said that their descendants have, to 
this day, a traditional horror of that terrible pestilence.* 

"Those who escaped in the first two boats pursued their dan- 
gerous way until they landed in safety at the mouth of Cole's 
creek, about twenty miles above Natchez by land. To the east- 
ward and southward of their place of debarkation they mainly 
made their first settlements in the country, within ten or twenty 
miles of the Mississippi river. For several years they had to 
endure many privations and hardships incident to a new coun- 
try, but poorly supplied with even the necessaries of 
life. * * * 



*" Protestantism in Mississippi/' pp. 22-26. 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 13 

"By the commencement of the year 1795, several circumstances 
had transpired to stir up the wrath of the Catholics against this 
little band of primitive Baptists. Not only had William Ham- 
berlin and other prominent citizens joined their church, but 
Stephen De Alvo, a Spaniard and a Catholic by birth and edu- 
cation, had renounced the faith of his ancestors and gone over 
to these heretics, as they called the Baptists. This could not be 
endured in silence. They had the legal authority, as well as 
the power to crush out this growing brotherhood of anti-Catholics, 
and it must be done! Accordingly, the Spanish Commandant at 
Natchez, Don Manuel Gayoso de Lemos, wrote an expostulatory 
letter to Mr. Curtis (this was Richard Curtis, Jr., a licensed 
preacher), urging him to desist from what was considered vio- 
lative of the laws of the province and against the peace and 
safety of the country. To this letter Mr. Curtis replied with his 
characteristic bluntness and severity, giving him to understand 
that, in the name and strength of God, he was determined to per- 
severe in what he had deliberately conceived to be his duty." 

"His immediate arrest was now ordered, and on the 6th of 
April, 1795, he stood a prisoner before Governor Gayoso. At 
the close of the investigation he was assured if he did not un- 
equivocally promise to desist from all public preaching, he would 
be sent, with several of his adherents, especially Hamberlin and 
De Alvo, to work in the silver mines of Mexico. Whether the 
hitherto indomitable spirit of Curtis quailed under the menaces 
of Gayoso, or whether, upon a review of the whole matter, he 
thought it would be more Christian-like to submit to the 'powers 
that be/ can not be determined. Be this as it may, he did 
promise to refrain thereafter from what was in open violation 
of the laws of the province. An edict was also issued by Gayoso, 
'that if nine persons were found worshipping together, except 
according to the forms of the Catholic church, they should suffer 
imprisonment.' After being discharged, Mr. Curtis felt op- 
pressed in mind, as he thoughtfully and prayerfully returned to 
his home on the south fork of Cole's creek. Had he done right 
in promising not to preach the gospel of peace and salvation 
publicly in the province? What would become of the member- 
ship if their public religious meetings were discontinued ? Would 
they not be scattered as sheep wthout a shepherd? Had he set 



14 ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 

them a good example of fortitude in the face of danger? These 
and kindred questions which arose, one after another, in his 
mind were difficult of solution. He felt an assurance that he 
had aimed to do right, and the predominant conviction of his 
mind was that he had done the best he could in his circumstances. 
His liberty and life were worth something to his family, to the 
little Christian brotherhood he had gathered around him, and to 
the future prospects of the church. Had he proved stubborn and 
refractory before Gayoso-^-being already a prisoner— he might 
have been ordered forthwith to the calaboose preparatory to his 
being sent to work in the Mexican silver mines. His brethren 
generally approved his course, but thought some arrangement 
ought to be made to keep up their religious meetings. Things 
now went on quietly for a while, but the American population 
had increased by the arrival of other immigrants, and they were 
becoming more and more clamorous for religious, as well as civil, 
liberty. The members of the church had a meeting for consul- 
tation, and after patient deliberation they came to the conclusion 
that it was not right to give up their religious meetings entirely. 
It was true Mr. Curtis had promised to abstain from public 
preaching, but still they might hold meetings, with such as would 
not betray them, for Christian conference, prayer and exhorta- 
tion. Accordingly they agreed to hold their meetings as secretly 
as possible, and conduct all their religious exercises in a low tone 
of voice : and in order to make things doubly secure, they ap- 
pointed reliable men as sentinels on all the roads leading to their 
places of worship, whose duty it was to come in at any stage 
of the meeting and report the appearance of any suspicious per- 
sons in the distance, which should be considered the signal for 
an informal and immediate dismissal and dispersion. * * * 

"The officers of the Provincial Government, instigated by the 
priesthood, made diligent inquiry as to the time and place of 
holding their meetings for exhortation, prayer and Christian in- 
tercourse, and devised plans for the capture of Eichard Curtis, 
William Hamberlin and Stephen De Alvo. Orders for their ar- 
rest were secretly issued on or about August 23. 1795. The 23rd 
of August was a quiet Sabbath, with all of its holy associations 
inviting the devont worshippers to assemble at the house of 
prayer. It was the private residence of one of their number, in 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 15 

what was then and is still known as 'Stampley's Settlement,' on 
the south fork of Cole's Creek. 

"The pickets had been properly posted on all the roads, and 
the little persecuted fraternity of Baptists were, in subdued 
tones, conducting their worship, when the sentinel on the Natchez 
road came in hurriedly and announced the appearance of five 
men, whom he took to be a Spanish officer and his posse. The re- 
ligious exercises closed immediately, and Messrs. Curtis, Hamber- 
lin and De Alvo hastened to a neighboring thicket to conceal 
themselves, knowing that they were peculiarly obnoxious to the 
hierarchy at Natchez. The others adjusted themselves with ap- 
parent carelessness about the house and yard, when the unwel- 
come visitors rode up, and with characteristic self-importance, 
inquired, 'What are you doing^here ? ' They replied, '"We are not 
harming anybody; we always suspend our secular avocations on 
the Sabbath, and either rest at home or spend our time in such 
intercourse with each other as suits us.' 'We wish to see Dick 
Curtis, Bill Hamberlin and Steve De Alvo— either one or all of 
them. Where are they to be found this morning V authorita- 
tively inquired this embodiment of Papal intolerance, to whick 
an evasive answer was given, such as, 'We don't exactly know-,; 
somewhere in the neighborhood, we suppose.' The officer then: 
announced the fact that he had come with orders from Governor 
Gayoso to arrest those three rebels, preparatory to their being 
sent to work in the silver mines in Mexico for the remainder of 
their lives, and if any man should be found aiding or abetting 
either their concealment or escape, he should suffer the like 
penalty." * * * 

This long quotation, so full of interest and bearing upon our 
subject, has been taken from "Protestantism in Mississippi and 
the Southwest," by Rev. John G. Jones, before quoted, who be- 
longed to the family of the Joneses and Curtises. He further 
says: "It now became the settled conviction of the most reliable 
men in the community that it was worse than useless for Mr. 
Curtis and his two faithful adherents, Hamberlin and De Alvo, 
to think of breasting that storm any further; that their only 
safety was in a precipitate flight from the country, and, conse- 
quently, from all that was dear to them on earth. ' But whither 



16 ABSTBACT HISTORY OF THE 

shall they fly ? ' was the next question, and the ready answer was, 
'To South Carolina, the former home of Mr. Curtis.' 

"Here on the Great Pedee, they could support themselves by 
the labor of their own hands, while among congenial associates 
they could enjoy their Christian privileges with none to molest or 
make them afraid. Accordingly, as soon as suitable horses could 
be procured, and amidst the tears of wives and children, and 
weeping relatives, they clandestinely left the settlement with the 
understanding that they were to conceal themselves at the house 
of a friend on Little Bayou Pierre, near where Port Gibson now 
stands, until they could be supplied with suitable provision, in 
clothes, food and money, for their journey through the wilder- 
ness to South Carolina. * * * 

"When all the necessary preparations had been made for their 
journey, such as a supply of food and clothing, 'a new and un- 
expected difficulty arose,' says Mr. Jones. Not a man could be 
found willing to risk the penalty of 'aiding and abetting' in the 
escape of the refugees. Their absence from home a single day 
or night might throw suspicion on them and lead to disastrous 
consequences; and the question was asked with increasing 
anxiety, 'Who will take their supplies to their place of conceal- 
ment on Bayou Pierre?' The question was soon answered. 
There lived in the vicinity a noble-hearted and daring woman by 
the name of Chloe Holt, who acted in the capacity of accouch- 
eress for the settlement, and was in every way suitable for such 
an adventure as was now on hand. Aunt Chloe had a kind and 
sympathetic heart, but an iron will, was determined and bold, 
and withal was a little eccentric. While she was all aglow to 
have the pleasure and honor of conveying the needed supplies to 
the exiles, she wished to hit a backhanded lick at what she con- 
sidered the cowardice of the men in the neighborhood. 'If the 
men in the neighborhood,' said she, 'are so faint-hearted that 
not one of them can be prevailed upon to take Dick Curtis and 
his companions in exile their promised supplies, in order to se- 
cure their escape from the clutches of these gospel-hating Catho- 
lics, if they will furnish me with a good horse, surmounted with 
a man's saddle, I will go in spite of the Spaniards, and they 
may catch me if they can. ' The families and refugees were glad 
to avail themselves of her generous offer, and a suitable horse 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 17 

was accordingly brought and saddled as she desired. All things 
being ready, she made her appearance, dressed cap-a-pie, in gen- 
tleman's clothes, and mounting the horse in cavalier style, boldly 
dashed off. The journey was hastily and successfully made. She 
took the last farewell of the loved ones at home to the sorrow- 
stricken exiles, delivered them their supplies, gave them her 
blessing, and returned as she went. No one molested Aunt 
Chloe, and that adventure was her boast to the close of her life. 
It is supposed she iied and was buried in Warren County, some- 
where about the headwaters of Big Bayou Pierre. Could we find 
her grave we would make the effort to have a suitable monument 
placed upon it to perpetuate her name and noble deed to gen- 
erations yet unborn. Whoever may, in future, write the History 
of Biaptist Churches in Mississippi, let them not forget to make 
honorable mention of Chloe Holt. 'Peace to your ashes,' old 
friend, wherever 1hey may rest." 

The foregoing incident is a beautiful and touching one, and 
shows how the Lord always has someone, even though it be a 
woman, for a time of great emergency. Think of a woman going 
alone through dismal swamps, exposed to wild animals and hiding 
Indians, to perform, a service for God's glory and the extension 
of his kingdom. Such devotion deserves to be honored, as sug- 
gested by Mr. Jones, by a suitable monument, could we find the 
place where Aunt Chloe waits her Lrord's second coming. 

"Soon after receiving their supplies from the hands of Mrs. 
Holt, the exiles h^gan to move northward, threading their way 
along the old Natchez and Cumberland trace, fording or swim- 
ming the smaller streams, making rafts of logs to ferry them- 
selves over the larger rivers, sleeping on the ground at night, 
with the sky for a covering, until they arrived in the white 
settlements northeast of the Indian country. In process of time 
they reached the former home of Mr. Curtis, on the Great Pedee, 
in South Carolina, wmere they remained over two years and a 
half. 

"Mr. Curtis was active and acceptable as a preacher, and 
during his sojourn in South Carolina was regularly ordained by 
Benjamin Mosely and Matthew McCullens, and was duly em- 
powered, whenever he should return to the Natchez country, to 
constitute a Baptist church. * * * 



IS ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 

"On the return of Richard Curtis to his home in the Xatehez 
country, the voice of the oppressor had ceased in the land. The 
Stars and Stripes had been thrown to the balmy breezes that 
fanned old Fort Rosalie, and liberty of conscience was pro- 
claimed to all. The hitherto oppressed and downtrodden Bap- 
tist community met in conference, and. under the superintend- 
ence of their beloved Richard Curtis, who presided as moderator, 
they completed their organization, in due and ancient form, as a 
regular Baptist chnrch. This was probably in the summer of 
1798. Their first church was called Salem — that is. peace — an! 
stood among the upper branches of the South Fork of Cole's 
creek, in Jefferson county, on what is still known as the 'Salem 
road. " 

This account of the first Baptist community in Mississippi is 
full of interest, and it shows under what difficulties the Baptist 
cause was established in this ccuntrv. 



THE FIVE ORIGINAL CHURCHES. 

Salem, as we have already seen, was the first Baptist church 
constituted in the State of Mississippi. Its location was on the 
South Fork of Cole's creek., in Jefferson county, some eighteen 
miles northeast of the present City of Natchez. There is some 
conflict as to the exact date, but it seems evident that the organi- 
zation was completed in 1798, after Richard Curtis and his 
friends had returned from their exile in South Carolina. 

The next churches to be constituted were New Hope, in Adams 
county, and Bethel, in Wilkinson county, about the year 1S00. 
The two others were Xew Providence and Ebenezer. in Amite 
county, constituted in 1805 and 1806, respectively. 

Salem was to the north, while Ebenezer was to the south, the 
latter bein2 near the Louisiana line. 



ORGANIZATION OF THE MISSISSIPPI ASSOCIATION. 

The minutes of Ebenezer church for July. 1806, show that 
Ezra Courtney. Mark Cole. Batson Morgan. James Mumford and 
Reese Perkins were appointed to attend a conference at Cole's 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 19 

Creek, or Salem, on Friday before the first Sabbath in August. 
While the object of this conference is not stated, it is presumed 
that it looked to the forming: of this Association. And Elder 
Thomas M. Bond, in his "Re-publication of the Minutes," in 
1849, says they did organize in 1806, but did not publish their 
proceedings. So it was in this first Baptist community and with 
this first Baptist church in Mississippi that we find the beginning 
of the Association whose history we are now to trace for one hun- 
dred years. 

The first Minute, therefore, dates from 1807, making the meet- 
ing in 1906 the one hundredth annual session. Very little is 
known of the early history of the Association, since the minutes 
give only brief accounts of its meetings. But when we remem- 
ber that the facilities for writing and preserving history were 
meager, and especially when we consider the difficulties attend- 
ing the first settlements in Mississippi, we may well congratulate 
ourselves that we have any history at all. 

The meeting in 1807 was held with the Bethel church, Bayou 
Sara, Mississippi Territory, "from which," says Mr. Jones, "we 
infer that Bethel church was southwest of Woodville, on a small 
stream of that name, which afterward gave name to the town 
of Bayou Sara, at its mouth on the Mississippi river.' ' 

It may be of interest to give an exact copy of the first Minute, 
which is as follows: 

1807 "The Mississippi Baptist Association con- 

vened at Bethel church, Bayou Sara, M. T. r 
September 26-29, 1807. The two first days were spent in pub- 
lic worship, concluding with the administration of the Lord's 
supper. 

"On Monday, at ten o'clock a. m., the Association sermon 
was delivered from Ps. xciii, 5, by Bro. Hadley. Letters from 
five churches were read, and the state of each, with the names of 
their delegates, minuted. 

"Bro. Hadley was chosen moderator, and Bro. Tanner clerk. 
Ministering brethren present, not delegated, were invited to 
seats. Agreed that it is advisable for the churches in this body 
to send three delegates to each session, and no more. Bro. John 



20 ABSTEACT HISTORY OF THE 

• 
Coulter was nominated treasurer, and authorized to purchase a 
blank book for that purpose. 

* 'Bro. Thomas Mercer appointed tc write the circular letter 
for the ensuing year. Bro. D. Cooper appointed to preach the 
Association sermon at our next session ; and. in case of failure, 
Bro. Hadley. 

"Agreed to meet on Waggoner's Creek, at New Providence, 
the Saturday before the third Lord's day in October, 1808. Bro. 
Hadley was requested to superintend the printing and distribut- 
ing of the minutes. Concluded by singing and prayer." 

ROBERT TANNER. MOSES HADLEY. 

Clerk. Moderator. 

NAME'S OF" CHURCHES AND MESSENGERS. 

Salem— John Stampley, Wilson Bolls. 

New Hope— Moses Hadley, John Erwin. 

Bethel— John Coulter, Reuben Jackson. 

New Providence— Cornelius Whittington. Wm. Causey. 

Eb&nezer—'EzrsL Courtney, Hardy Brian. 

Thus it will be seen that the Association was composed of 
ten members this year. The Clerk's name does not appear in 
the list of messengers, though he comes as a delegate next year 
from Bethel church. 

The statistical report shows three baptisms, eighteen received 
by letter, one exclusion, three deaths, and a total membership of 
one hundred and ninet77-six. No contribution of money is men- 
tioned. 

This was a small beginning. The old Mississippi was then in 
her infancy. Her growth, however, has been steady and vigor- 
ous, and, after sending out a number of colonies to form other 
bodies, she has entered upon the second century of her pil- 
grimage. 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 



21 




NEW PROVIDENCE CHURCH. 

The above is a picture of New Providence Church building, erected in 
1901. It would be interesting to compare this building with the one in 
which the second annual session was held one hundred years ago. 



1 SOS ^e second annual meeting was held with New 

Providence church, embracing the first 
Lord's day in October. This was not the time agreed on a year 
ago, but no reason is given for the change. David Cooper 
preached the introductory sermon from I Peter, 5 : 2. Two new 
churches, Bayou Pierre and Morgan's Fork, were received. The 
body was organized by the election of David Cooper as modera- 
tor and David Snodgrass as clerk. Richard Curtis was in at- 
tendance as a delegate from New Hope church. Whether he had 
removed from the Salem community does not appear, except 
that his membership was at New Hope. 

The appointments for preaching on the Sabbath were David 
Snodgrass, Moses Hadley and David Cooper. The first "circular 



22 ABSTRACT HISTOEY OF THE 

letter" to be published in the minutes was written by Thomas 
Mercer, his subject being the "Barren Fig Tree." 

The matter of abusive treatment of slaves received attention 
at this meeting, and the Association recommended the churches 
to take notice of any improper treatment of slaves by their mem- 
bers, and deal with them in brotherly love, according to the rules 
of the gospel. It was also recommended that heads of families 
should keep up family worship, and in cases where they did not, 
that gospel steps should be taken in order that they might be 
reclaimed. Two baptisms are reported this year. 



1 ROQ Salem church was the place of meeting this- 

year, and the time October 13th, six 
churches being represented. Moses Hadley preached the open- 
ing sermon from I Cor. 1: 10. David Cooper was re-elected 
moderator, and William Snodgrass was chosen clerk. Sabbath 
services were conducted by Lawrence Scarborough, Ezra Court- 
ney and Moses Hadley. Notice was taken of the "base and 
wicked conduct" of one James Garnett, who had been passing 
himself as a Baptist minister, and the churches were warned 
against him. 

This query was proposed and answered in the affirmative: 
"Is it consistent with gospel order to receive testimony from 
persons of good character, not of our connection, against a church 
member ? ' ' 

New Hope church sent a letter to this meeting, but no dele- 
gates. And it was discovered from the reading of the letter, that 
there were some internal troubles in the church. Whereupon, 
Moses Hadley, Lawrence Scarborough and David Cooper were 
appointed to visit New Hope with a view to adjusting the diffi- 
culties. Fifteen baptisms and 251 members are reported. 



1 Q1 Q The Association met with Ebenezer church, 

Friday, October 19th, seven churches send- 
ing letters and delegates. Thomas Mercer preached the sermon 
from Isaiah, 62 : 6. David Cooper was again chosen moderator, 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 23 

and Moses Hadley was made clerk. Two new churches were re- 
ceived—viz., East Fork and Middle Fork, their messengers be- 
ing J. Keith and L. Scarborough, respectively. The African 
church is mentioned as having no delegation. When this Afri- 
can church was received, or where it was located, is not clear. 

The committee appointed a year ago to inquire into the diffi- 
culties existing in New Hope church, reported that the same had 
been removed. 

This query, "Is the washing of the saints' feet a Christian duty 
or not?" was answered in the "affirmative. 

It was agreed to hold four union meetings during the next 
year, as follows : First, at Salem, in December ; second, at New 
Providence, in March; third, at East Fork (called the New Con- 
stitution on the east fork of the Amite) , in June ; and fourth, at 
Bayou Sara, in September. These were not union meetings in 
the sense that they were interdenominational, but seemed to be 
held in those early times for the mutual profit of the churches. 

On the Lord's day a "numerous and respectable congrega- 
tion" attended divine service, but who did the preaching is not 
stated. 

The amount contributed by the churches this year was $24.87. 



1 Q1 1 The place of meeting is New Hope, Adams 

county, and the time October 19th. John 
Atkins is the preacher of the introductory sermon, whose text is 
Jude, 1: 3. Nine churches are represented. Thomas Mercer is 
moderator, and David Cooper clerk. Three new churches asked 
for admission — viz., Tangipahoa (spelled Tancipiho), Shiloh and 
Zion Hill, the delegates being David Edwards from Tangipahoa, 
Thomas Carson from Shiloh, and C. Whittington and Isham 
Nettles from Zion Hill. 

Moses Hadley, David Cooper and Thomas Mercer were ap- 
pointed to preach on the Lord's day. 

A letter of correspondence was received from the Cumberland 
Association, Jesse Brown being the messenger. And the min- 
utes say : "Bro. "Willis, from the Opelousas, was invited to a seat 
with us." ! :? -i 



24 ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 

It seems that the name of Middle Fork church had been 
changed to Sarepta, since Lawrence Scarborough represented the 
former last year and the latter this year, and the name "Middle 
Fork" disappears from the minutes. 

Richard Curtis was present for the last time, as he died a few 
days after, October 28, in the 56th year of his age. Mr. Curtis 
never held office in the Association, nor was he appointed to 
preach at any of its meetings. It is probable that he was in de- 
clining health for a number of years, since he is said to have 
died from cancer. He had laid the foundation, had blazed the 
way in this new country, and now, at God's call, he lays aside 
his armor, while the work is carried on by other hands. His 
grave is near Ebenezer church, Amite county. 

The following touching incident is related of Mr. Curtis on 
his return home from South Carolina: 

"It was Saturday night, and Messrs. Curtis, Hamberlin and 
De Alvo were within half a day's ride of home. At early dawn 
they resumed their journey, " thinking it no harm to travel a 
little on Sunday under such circumstances. They separated, and 
each was making for his home, when Mr. Curtis fell in with 
cheerful companions of former acquaintance on their way to 'the 
house of prayer.' They assured him that he would not find 
his wife and children at home, for by that hour they were cer- 
tainly on their way to church, so he turned with the company to 
the house of God. When they arrived at the church, Mrs, Curtis, 
with her household, had not yet made their appearance, but he 
was assured that all were well, and that they certainly would 
soon be there: and as the hour for preaching had come, the 
brethren insisted on his going immediately into the pulpit and 
preaching them a sermon. He submitted, and while, with head 
depressed below the book board, he was turning to his hymn 
and text, his wife came in, unobserved by him, and quietly took 
her usual place by the wall. The congregation being mostly 
within doors— and waiting one for another— no one gave her an 
intimation of the presence of her long-exiled husband. When 
he rose up she looked at the pulpit to see who was going to offi- 
ciate, and seeing it was her own beloved, long-lost, but now re- 
stored husband, it was more than her womanly heart could en- 
dure in silence. She shrieked and swooned awav, and was borne 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 25 

from the house in an unconscious state. Cold ablutions were re- 
sorted to, and consciousness soon restored ; and the cordial greet- 
ing and soothing words of her husband soon quieted her nerves. 
All returned to the church, and Elder Curtis — [as we shall hence- 
forth call him— preached an appropriate and feeling sermon. " — 
Protestantism in Mississippi, pp. 46, 47. 

Mr. Curtis is described as "a plain, honest, unsophisticated 
man, a sincere and spiritual Christian, and an uncompromising 
and zealous preacher of the gospel. * * * His wife, Aunt 
Pattie, as she was familiarly called by the connection, survived 
as a hale old lady until about 1819. She died in Jefferson 
county, and is buried on the plantation of Mrs. Samuel Bolls, two 
or three miles east of Fayette. "—History of Mississippi Baptists, 
Vol. I, p. 36. 

The Mississippi Association has on hand at the present time 
(1908) the matter of erecting a suitable and enduring monu- 
ment at the grave of Mr. Curtis, thus to mark the resting place 
of the first Baptist preacher in this State. 



1812 Zi ° n H ^' Amite county, gets the meeting, 

beginning October 17th. The Associational 
sermon is by Lawrence Scarborough, his text being Romans, 
6:23. Letters from twelve churches are received and read, and 
the body organized by electing Moses Hadley moderator and 
Joseph J. Lawton clerk. Two more churches are received— viz., 
Half-Moon Bluff and Jerusalem, the former being on Bogue 
Chitto river, in Louisiana, and the latter in Amite county. The 
delegates from Half -Moon Bluff were Joseph Lewis and Joseph 
Erwin, and those from Jerusalem Howell Wall, Joseph Robert- 
son and Jacob Cobb. 

Elders Hadley, Scarborough and Smith were selected for the 
Sabbath services. Mr. Smith's initials are not given. 

A letter of correspondence was received from the Georgia 
Association, together with the Minutes of 1811. 

The Circular Letter this year is by Moses Hadley, his subject 
being "Union of the Churches." 

(3) 



26 ABSTEACT HISTORY OF THE 

1 Q1 Q The Association meets at Bayou Pierre, Oc- 

tober 17th. Ezra Courtney preaches the in- 
troductory sermon from John, 10 : 16. Moses Hadley is again 
the moderator, while Geo., King is selected to do the writing. 
It will be observed that the treasurer was not elected every year, 
but held the office for an indefinite time. At this meeting the 
second treasurer was chosen — viz., William Causey, of New 
Providence church. 

Fourteen churches are represented and five others received 
as follows: Clear Creek, in Adams county; Pierce's Creek, in 
Wilkinson county; Bogue Chitto, in Marion county; Mt. Nebo 
and Peniel, in Louisiana. The messengers of these new churches 
were: Abraham Galtney and Joel Pate, from Clear Creek; 
Henry Irvine and James Crow, from Pierce's Creek; Thomas 
Hill and Elisha McGraw, from Bogue Chitto; Jacob Ott and 
Peter Bankston, from Mt. Nebo. There was no delegation from 
Peniel. 

Correspondence was discontinued with the Georgia and Hep- 
zibah Associations, "owing to the prohibition of conveyance." 
This disturbance was occasioned by the war with England, which 
was going on at that time. The Circular Letter of this year has 
"The War" for its subject, and, although anonymous, is a re- 
markably fine document. 

The Minute says, concerning the deaths of two prominent 
members: "The Association have to lament the death of their 
beloved brethren, John Atkins and Wilson Bolls, who, they have 
every reason to hope, have entered into the joys of their Lord. ,, 
John Atkins was a preacher, and Wilson 'Bolls was one of the 
delegates from Salem in 1807. Nothing further is said of their 
lives. 

The Association has made decided progress during these seven 
years, viz: From five to nineteen churches; from three to 246 
baptisms, and from 196 to 914 members. 

Taking into consideration the scattered condition of the 
churches at this time, it was agreed that in future the meetings 
should be held within the following bounds : Salem on the north, 
Hepzibah on the south, Tangipahoa on the east and Bethel to the 
west. Hepzibah is here anticipated, coming in next year. 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 27 

The following interesting biographical sketch of William 
Causey, the second treasurer, is furnished by W. I. Causey, a 
grandson, and the present treasurer of the Association: Wil- 
liam Causey was born in Ireland in 1744 and came to America 
about the year 1760. He settled in Maryland and lived there 
until the Revolutionary War, serving through the conflict under 
General Marion. After the war he moved with his family to 
South Carolina and remained there until his children were all 
grown, of whom there were eleven. His wife dying in South 
Carolina, Mr. Causey came to Mississippi and married again, his 
second wife being Miss Susannah Jackson. To them were born 
eight children, the late Ransom J. Causey being one of this 
number. 

Mr. Caupey was too old for military service during the war 
of 1812, but was a member of what was known as the " Silver 
Grey Reserves." He was one of the founders of New Providence 
Church and of the Mississippi Association, being one of the ten 
delegates in 1807. He was treasurer of the body until 1819. His 
death occurred in 1828, and he was buried where W. I. Causey 
now lives, Berwick. Amite count v. 



1 Q1 A The meeting was with Shiloh church, Wilkin- 

son county, beginning October 15th. The 
introductory sermon was preached by Howell Wall from John, 
3: 36. Ezra Courtney was elected moderator, and William 
Snodgrass clerk. The preachers for Sunday were Geo. W. King, 
James Smylie, William Cooper and Thomas Mercer. 

Three churches asked for admission into the Association, viz: 
Hepzibah (La.), Hopewell and Antioch, their delegates being 
Josiah Knighton, Thomas Jackson and Lewis Yarborough, from 
Hepzibah; John Lee, David Williams an*! John Hutchins, from 
Hopewell, and David Sumrall, Reese Perkins and Davis Jenkins, 
from Antioch. 

A letter from the African church was received and consid- 
ered, it being admitted that the slaves labored under many diffi- 
culties in maintaining their worship. And they were urged to 
diligence in obeying their masters. The Association also advised 



28 ABSTRACT HISTOEY OF THE 

them to get written permission from their masters or overseers 
prior to their assembling for worship. 

The church at Half-Moon Bluff notified the Association that 
they had excluded Robert Smith, a preacher, for un-Chris- 
tian conduct, giving an account of the case; and after "due de- 
liberation," the church's action was approved. 

A committee of three, consisting of Jacob Cobb, Josiah Flowers 
and B. E. Chaney, was appointed to name six days in the year 
to be kept as days of fasting, humiliation and prayer, and to be 
continued during the war in which the country was then in- 
volved. The committee named Christmas and the Fourth of 
July, and left the churches to select the other days. 

The following extracts from the anonymous letter already 
mentioned, will be read with interest : 

"Our country is now engaged in war! Not a war of avarice, 
aggrandizement, or of ambitious domination! No, blessed be 
God! this government wages war from better motives and more 
correct principles. It leaves such to actuate the pride and lust 
of kings. This is, on the part of the United States, a war of just 
and necessary defense; justifiable on every sound political and 
moral principle. * * * War. it is readily conceded, is one of 
the greatest of human calamities. It should never be entered 
into but upon principles, and from motives, that there is the 
clearest evidence the God of love and peace will approve. Then, 
indeed, it should be met with alacrity, and prosecuted with energy 
as a means of speedily restoring the blessings of peace. * * * 

"Your progenitors, brethren, frcm the commencement of the 
Christian era, during the darkest, as well as the most luminous 
ages of antiquity, and in all modern times, have been the assert- 
ers, the constant and uniform asserters, of civil and religious 
liberty, and, very generally, the most conspicuous sufferers for it. 
Do you, then, whose fathers have suffered so much for you, who 
have been so highly favored with its enjoyment, now deem it 
worth defending? * # * 

"The empire of freedom, reason, religion and of laws, is 
again in America, under God, to be sustained by a few hands-- 
the true, consistent republicans— the friends of liberty and law. 
May we escape the execrations of posterity by handing down, 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 29 

unimpaired to them, the rich inheritance of freedom we pos- 
sess. * * * 

"We pray you bear in mind continually, that here you have 
'no abiding city.' Let us through the merits of the dear Re- 
deemer, 'seek one to come' in that land of pure delight, 'where 
the wicked cease from troubling,' and where the inhabitants 
'shall learn war no more.' " 



1 81 R Sarepta church, Jefferson county, is the place 

of meeting on the 14th of October. William 
Cooper preaches the opening sermon, his text being John, 6 : 
68, 69. Twenty-one churches are represented, and two others re- 
ceived — viz., Pearl River and Union — but the location is not 
given. The delegates from Pearl River church were G. W. King 
and Harmon Runnels; those from Union, John O'Quin and 
Drewry Stovall. The moderator is Moses Hadley, and the clerk 
William Snodgrass. Elders Carter Tarrant, Ezra Courtney, 
Thomas Mercer and Nathan Morris were selected for the Lord's 
day services. 

A letter was received from the Baptist Board of Foreign Mis- 
sions for the United States (location not given), soliciting the 
co-operation of the Association in sending missionaries to the 
heathen nations, to which favorable response was made. The 
wish was expressed that the churches might contribute as liber- 
ally as convenient and forward their offerings to the next meeting 
of the Association. 

Salem church, the first to be formed in Mississippi, is torn 
asunder by internal divisions, two letters being sent to the As- 
sociation this year. A committee of five was appointed, which, 
after investigation, reported that the letter presented by John 
Burch was the proper one to receive. Accordingly, he and James 
Bolls were recognized as the right messengers. "Salem" means 
"peace/' but Satan disregards all names and places, and gets in 
his work of discord even among the saints. 



30 ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 

1 Ol f± Clear Creek, Adams county, is where the 

saints gather this year on the 19th of Oc- 
tober. " Worship God" (Rev. 19: 10) is the text of the intro- 
ductory sermon, preached by Nathan Morris. Twenty-five 
churches are represented, and the body is organized by choosing 
Nathan Morris moderator and William Snodgrass clerk. Six 
new churches asked for admittance and were received, as fol- 
lows: Mars Hill, Fair River, Elim, Beulah, Fellowship and 
Bayou Chitto. Their messengers were: Jesse Young and A. 
Arnol, from Mars Hill; Ebenezer Clapp and Perry Kees, from 
Fair River; L. Fairchilds and J. Thompson, from Elim; Ezekiel 
O'Quin, from Beulah; C. Brandon and W. McDonald, from Fel- 
lowship, and Joseph Willis, from Bayou Chitto. These names 
are given with the hope that some of their descendants may be 
able to locate these old churches, many of which, of course, have 
long since ceased to exist. In many cases no intimation is given 
in the minutes as to the location of the churches. 

Those appointed to preach on the Sabbath were Josiah Flower, 
David Cooper, Robert Smith, and William Cooper, Mr. Smith 
having been reinstated by his church. 

The churches were requested to signify their wishes at the 
next meeting respecting a division of the Association. The total 
membership last year was 1408, while this year, with more 
churches, it is reported at 695. It is difficult to account for this 
heavy loss, and it is probable that there is an error in the figures. 
General statistics will be found at the clcse of this book, and 
while they are not perfect, yet they will indicate something of 
the conditions and work of the body for this long period. 

A query from Beulah church, asking whether conferences 
should be held in public or in private, was answered in favor of 
public meetings. 

The resolution passed some years ago, .Darning certain limits 
for the Association al meetings, was rescinded. 

William Snodgrass presented a letter from the Corresponding 
Secretary of the Baptist Board of Foreign Missions, also a re- 
ceipt for $83.93, contributed by the Association and a few in- 
dividuals. One of these contributions to missions ($2.00) had 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 31 

been made by Elder Bailey E. Chaney, whose death occurred this 
year. The following sketch of Mr. Chaney 's life is taken from 
L. S. Foster's book, "Mississippi Baptist Preachers," pp. 131, 
132: " Bailey E. Chaney, a pioneer Baptist preacher of Mis- 
sissippi, removed from South Carolina about 1790 and settled 
near Natchez. During the persecution against Curtis and his 
companions, Chaney concealed himself. When the territory was 
transferred to the United States, the people assembled in large 
numbers, a brush arbor was constructed, and Rev. Bailey E. 
Chaney was sent for; and while the flag of the United States 
floated over him he preached the gospel of Christ unawed by the 
minions of Rome. In 1798 he visited the American settlement 
near Baton Rouge, in Louisiana, and preached; but being ar- 
rested, he obtained release by promising to preach no more. After 
this he returned to Mississippi and labored there until his death, 
which occurred about 1816."— Baptist Encyclopedia, p. 200. 

Mr. John G. Jones, in Protestantism in Mississippi and the 
Southwest, has this interesting note of this early preacher: 
"Bailey E. Chaney was a licensed preacher, and probably 
preached the first sermon in Natchez after the Spanish govern- 
ment was superseded by that of the United States. Soon after 
the Spaniards left, the Americans erected a large brush arbor 
and supplied it with a temporary pulpit and seats, and invited 
Rev. Mr. Chaney to preach them a sermon under the 'Stars and 
Stripes,' which he did to an immense congregation. While we 
can not accord to our Baptist brethren the honor of establishing 
the first Protestant church in the Natchez country— that having 
been done, as we have seen in a previous chapter, by the Con- 
gregationalists— we cheerfully accord them the honor of estab- 
lishing the second, and of preaching the first sermon here under 
the United States government,' ''—Page 50. 



1 81 7 ^ ne A ssoc i a tion convened with Bogue Chitto 

church, Pike county, October 18th to 21st. 
David Cooper preached the opening sermon from II Timothy, 
2 : 15. Letters from thirty-one churches were received and read. 
The moderator and clerk were David Cooper and Benjamin 
Davis. Five churches asked for admission, as follows: Vermion, 



32 ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 

New Chapel, Canaan, Green's Creek and the First Church of 
Natchez. A. Harper and H. Tilman were from New Chapel ; J. 
Stringer and W. Cooper from Green's Creek, while B. Davis and 
N. Robinson came from Natchez. No names are given from Ver- 
mion and Canaan. The Lord's day services were conducted by 
Elders Scarborough, Davis, Ranaldson and Courtney. 

It was decided to recommend a plan for raising a fund to aid 
pious young men, called of God, in the matter of securing an 
education. A committee of three, David Cooper, James A. 
Ranaldson and Benjamin Davis, reported the plan and pub- 
lished an address to the churches, beginning as f ollows : "Educa- 
tion is the subject to which we now invite your attention. This, 
next to the gospel, is our choice theme. After religion, it is of 
the highest importance to the world. 

"Philosophers, who know how much literature is indebted to 
Christianity, must value the glorious gospel of the blessed God. 
Christians, who know how much education has contributed to the 
furtherance of the gospel, must appreciate learning. The one 
is an auxiliary to the other ; and both are connected with the 
glory and happiness of man. * * ** Although we do not 
consider a classical education absolutely essential to the qualifica- 
tions of an evangelical preacher, yet he should not be a novice. 
It is the first principle of the oracles of God that they, be able 
to teach. They should be able to communicate their ideas with 
sound speech that cannot be condemned. # * * The practi- 
cal preacher should be able to deliver his sermons with boldness, 
without arrogance, with sound doctrine, with grammatical cor- 
rectness, with logical strength, with elegance of rhetoric, and 
with simplicity of truth." 

This was an advanced position for these early times, such as 
we would hardly expect to find; and yet it shows that our peo- 
ple did not ignore the question of education. 

It was agreed to dismiss the churches on the west side of the 
Mississippi river, on account of the difficulties they experienced 
in attending the associational meetings. The names and num- 
ber of these churches are not given; neither is the list of 
churches diminished at the next meeting, so we are left in the 
dark as to these Baptists west of the "Father of Waters." It 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 33 

is quite impossible for people of this day, with all modern fa- 
cilities and equipments, to appreciate the difficulties of the early 
days. 

That the Association was thoroughly missionary in belief and 
sympathy is shown by this striking paragraph: 

"After some free conversation on the subject of Foreign and 
Domestic Missions, deeply interesting to this body, it was agreed 
that our brethren, Thomas Mercer and Benjamin Davis, be re- 
quested to visit the Creek Indians, to inquire what can be done 
towards the establishment of schools and the introduction of the 
gospel among them." 



1 Q1 Q The meeting this year was with New Provi- 

dence church, Amite county, commencing 
October 17th. Elder Josiah Flowers delivered the first sermon, 
his text being Matt. 16 : 17, 18. Thirty-one churches were repre- 
sented, and eight others received, as follows : Pinckneyville, Sha- 
ron, Dilling's Creek, Beulah, Bala Chitto, Silver Creek, east of 
Pearl river, Friendship and New Orleans. The messengers were : 
T. Hunter and J. Ellsberry, from Pinckneyville ; J. A. Ranaldson 
and E. Estes, from Sharon; J. P. Martin and J. Barnes, from 
Dilling's Creek; H. Bond and William Cook, from Bala Chitto ; 
William Sparks and William Stamps, from Silver Creek, east 
of Pearl : T. Matthews, from Beulah ; N. Williams, from Friend- 
ship, and ( B,. Davis, from New Orleans. 

David Cooper was again chosen to preside, while William 
Snodgrass continued to do the writing. 

Elders Cooper, Ranaldson and King were selected to do the 
preaching on the Sabbath. 

A communication was received from the Baptist Mission So- 
ciety of Kentucky, concerning work among the Indians, and it 
was agreed that the Association should prepare a suitable me- 
morial, to be signed by the Moderator and Clerk, setting forth 
the deplorable condition of the Indian tribes in the United 
States, and forward the same to Congress. Thus our Baptist 
forefathers were seeking to elevate and save the Red Man ninety 
years ago. 



34 ABSTRACT HISTORY OP THE 

A letter from Beulah church, in Louisiana, was received, re- 
questing assistance to organize an association of the churches in 
that quarter, and a committee was appointed for this purpose. 

Bayou Pierre church sent this query: ''Should a brother be 
held in fellowship who prefers the rights and privileges of the 
Masonic Lodge to the communion of his church?" The Asso- 
ciation answered "No." 

The venerable Moses Hadley, the Association's first Modera- 
tor, and who had been so closely identified with the work since 
the organization of the body, had passed away this year, and 
sympathetic regard is expressed for the old preacher. "A 
valuable life, spent in the vineyard of the Lord, left the world 
with comfort and in hope of immortal gain." 

The following tribute to Mr, Hadley is from "Mississippi Bap- 
tist Preachers," page 328: 

"This pioneer minister in the southwestern portion of the 
State located within the bounds of the Mississippi Association 
about the year 1806, and labored with much zeal and ability for 
twelve years in "Wilkinson and adjoining counties. He was held 
in the highest esteem by his brethren, as is seen in the fact that 
he was chosen Moderator of the Association at its second annual 
session, when both David Cooper and Thomas Mercer were 
present. In 1810 he wrote the circular letter of the body on 
'Religious Declension,' an able document, in which he treats 
the causes and the cure in a forcible manner. In 1812 he wrote 
again on 'Union of Churches.' The same year he was sent to 
Opelousas. Louisiana, to ordain Mr. Willis and constitute the 
first church in Louisiana. He was. in 1817, one of a committee 
to write a summary of discipline for the churches. He died in 
1818. much regretted by his brethren." (Bap. Encyc. p. 484.) 

The Association had at this time about forty churches, with 
a total membership of 1,072 ; and the territory occupied was 
from Natchez to New Orleans, north and south, and from the 
Bearl to the Mississippi river, east and west. Indeed, it ex- 
tended east of the Bearl. and had been west of the Mississippi. 
But the question of forming other associations was now being 
considered, and so a division will soon come. 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 35 

1 Q1 Q Hepzibah church, Feliciana parish, Louisiana, 

was the place of meeting on the 16th of Oc- 
tober. Elder Geo. W. King preached the introductory sermon 
from II Peter, 1: 5-7, and in organizing the same officers were 
retained. One new church, St. Francisville, Louisiana, was re- 
ceived, the messengers being J. A. Ranaldson and E. Andrews. 

For the Lord's day services Elders Chas. Felder, David 
Cooper and S. Marsh were chosen. This is the first time we 
meet with the name of Charles Felder, who is to be prominent 
in the work of the Association in the coming years. 

Eight churches north of the Hbmochitto river asked for dis- 
missal, with a view of organizing a new association, and it was 
recommended that the first meeting should be held with Bayou 
Pierre church the following September. This was the Union 
Association. A like request came from several churches east of 
Pearl river, whereupon the Association advised these churches, 
including the Pearl river district, to call a convention for the 
following April, to meet at Billing 's Creek church, for the pur- 
pose of considering the propriety of division. 

It was resolved to send a letter of correspondence to the 
"new Association west of the Mississippi in the State of Louisi- 
ana," and Elders David Cooper and Ezra Courtney were se- 
lected as the messengers, who were to receive fifteen dollars 
each for traveling expenses. 

Another one of the heralds of the cross had finished his 
course and gone home. It was Thomas Mercer, whose name has 
become so familiar and who, like Moses Hadley, had been iden- 
tified with the Association from the first. This brief tribute 
appears in the minutes : 

"Departed this life since our last annual meeting, our much 
beloved and venerable Elder Thomas Mercer. The Association 
offer this as a testimony of their affectionate remembrance of 
him, whilst they regret their loss in the death of one who was 
zealous and indefatigable in his ministerial labors, useful and 
much beloved.' ' 

It is stated in the Baptist Encyclopedia, pages 781, 782, that 
Mr. Mercer came from Georgia and settled in Southwestern 
Mississippi, and was an early laborer in spreading Baptist sen- 



36 . ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 

timents. To facilitate the cultivation of song-service in the 
churches, he compiled a collection cf excellent hymns. He aided 
in the formation of the Mississippi Association, and was Mod- 
erator in 1811. And it is further ?aid that, while he and Ben- 
jamin Davis were on their journey to the Creek Indians in 1817, 
Mr. Mercer died and Avas buried among' strangers. 

Up to this time old Salem stood at the head in the list of 
churches. However much the clerks might change the places of 
other churches. Salem always came first. But the old church 
sent no delegates to this meeting, and after this her name dis- 
appears from the minutes. ^Ve have already seen that for some 
years there has been internal strife in the body. The following 
sad account of the final dissolution is from "Protestantism in 
Mississippi," pages 57, 58: 

"Old Salem, the first church, presents a sad and melancholy 
picture to a pious heart. After it had enjoyed about fifteen 
years of prosperity, and about 1812 and 1813 had been favored 
with the most extensive revival known in the country up to that 
date, differences of opinion grew up between some of the lead- 
ing members, which led to ill-temper and angry words, and 
finally were brought up in the monthly conferences of the 
church, where they were long debated, until parties were 
formed, and the membership was agitated from center to cir- 
cumference. From that unnatural and unchristian feud we 
date the decline and ultimate downfall of the first Baptist 
church in Mississippi. The faithful few struggled hard and 
long to maintain their organization, but. having no more re- 
vivals to recruit their numbers, and suffering diminution con- 
stantly from deaths and removals, they at last yielded to their 
hapless fate and ceased the bootless strife. About twenty-five 
or thirty years ago [about 1835 or 18401 the woodwork of the 
church edifice was accidentally destroyed by fire, since which 
time the brick walls have been gradually taken away for neigh- 
borhood purposes, until now nothing remains to designate the 
spot to the passerby but the graveyard, where reposes the dust 
of some of the best of our race. * * * But the fruits of old 
Salem are not all lost. In her chivalrous days she sent out a 
number of vigorous colonies, which yet live and prosper." 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 37 

1 $?0 TAoji Hill, Amite county, is the place of meet- 

ing, and October 14th the time. David 
Cooper preaches the sermon from Zach. 1 : 7, and the body is 
organized by re-electing the same moderator, while Elliott Estes 
is elected clerk, and J. M. Mumford, of Ebenezer church, is 
chosen treasurer to succeed William Causey. The Sabbath serv- 
ices were conducted by Elders Flower, King and Ranaldson. 

This query was presented by Zion Hill church : ' ' Shall m a 
church be deemed censurable in the reception of an individual 
excluded from any sister-church?" To which this answer was 
given by the Association : ' ' The excommunicated person should 
give suitable satisfaction to the church Avhich excluded him be- 
fore he can be consistently received by a sister-church." 

Mount Zion church, Franklin county, was received, whose 
delegates were T. Swearingeij and M. Miirralj, 

The body was gratified at receiving corresponding messen- 
gers from the Union, Bigby and Louisiana Associations. 

The following fourteen churches were granted dismission for 
the purpose of organizing the Pearl River Association: Mount 
Nebo, Pearl River, Half -Moon Bluff, Fair River, D tiling's 
Creek, Poplar Springs, Silver Creek, Pike county, Silver Creek, 
east of Pearl river, New Chapel, Bogue Chitto, Pike county, An- 
tioch, Beulah, Bailey Chitto and Friendship. 

The matter of forming a convention or general meeting was 
being discussed, as the following resolution will show : 

"Resolved, That it be earnestly recommended to our sister- 
Association that we meet annually, by delegates appointed, in 
one general meeting, for the purpose of corresponding and of 
eliciting the energies of the whole in aid of the missionary cause 
and other benevolent and evangelical objects." 

David Cooper, Samuel Marsh, E. Courtney, Howell Wall and 
J. A. Ranaldson were selected to meet with other delegates at 
Zion Hill church in the following May. 

The Association recommended a union, or ministers', meet- 
ing, to be held on the fifth Sundays in the following year at 
different places, and that the ordinance of the Lord's Supper 
should be observed at these meetings. 



38 ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 

1 QOI The place of meeting is Bethel church, in Wil- 

kinson county, on the 20th of October. 
Elliott Estes is the preacher of the Associational sermon, whose 
text is Joshua, 24: 15. Samuel Marsh is moderator, and Elliott 
Estes is clerk. Elders King, Balfour and Marsh are the preach- 
ers for Sunday. It was often the case that ministers who 
preached at these meetings were visitors from other bodies, 
those present this year being Davis, O'Quin and Irion, whose 
initials are not given. 

At this date there are four other Associations with which the 
old Mississippi has correspondence— viz., the Union, Pearl 
River, Louisiana and 'Bigby. These early settlers evidently had 
the cause of religion much at heart, as shown by the progress 
made during these fifteen years. Apropos to this devotional 
spirit we find the following resolution in this year's minutes: 

"On motion, Resolved, That the first day of January ensuing 
be observed with fasting and prayer for the enlargement of the 
Redeemer's Kingdom." 

How different from the present time, when the New Year is 
a kind of holiday, welcomed by the ringing of bells and the 
sounding of whistles; when greetings are freely exchanged and 
sumptuous dinners are served. 



1 822 ^k e D0( fy convenes with Ebenezer church, Oc- 

tober 19th to 21st. Samuel Marsh preaches 
the introductory sermon. David Cooper returns to the modera- 
tor's chair, while William Balfour keeps the records. Preachers 
for the Lord's day are D. McCall, D. Cooper and D. Collins, and 
the services are reported as being spiritual and profitable. 

A committee was appointed to prepare a memorial to be pre- 
sented to the State Legislature, asking for the repeal of such 
parts of a late law as deprived the African churches of their 
religious privileges. 

Elders D. Collins, G. W. King and S. King came as messen- 
gers from the Pearl River Association; Elders D. McCall and 
L. Scarborough came from the Union. 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 39 

Samuel Marsh, J. A. Ranaldson, William Balfour, Chas. Fel- 
der and David Cooper were selected to attend a missionary meet- 
ing at Zion Hill, July, 1823. 

It was again recommended to all the churches that they ob- 
serve the first day of January as a day of fasting and prayer 
for the more general effusion of the Divine Spirit and the uni- 
versal spread of the gospel of Christ. 

Another preacher, in the person of Howell Wall, had ceased 
from his earthly labors. The Association pays this tribute to 
his memory: 

"In the death of Elder Howell Wall this Association has to 
regret the loss of a highly-esteemed brother, whose moral deport- 
ment, whose goodness as a man, whose meekness of temper, and 
whose zeal and faithfulness as a minister of Christ, com- 
manded esteem and respect from his acquaintances and en- 
deared him to his brethren." 



1 R?*^ Mais Hill, Amite county, ^entertains the As- 

sociation this year from the 18th to the 23d 
of October. I Peter, 2 : 9, is the text used by Chas. Felder in 
preaching the opening sermon. Fifteen churches answer to the 
rollcall, and the same moderator is continued, while Elliott Estes 
returns to the secretaryship. Elders Cooper, Collins and King 
are the preachers for Sunday. 

Elder John Smith was requested to write the next circular let- 
ter on this subject : ' ' The high responsibility and criminality of 
those who do not contribute, according to their circumstances, 
to the cause of religion in general." 

Elders D. Collins and S. King were the messengers from the 
Pearl River Association, J. Birch and N. Perkins from the 
Union, while the visiting ministers, not under any appointment, 
were S. Coker and E. Andrews. 

January 1st was still designated to be kept with prayer and 
fasting "in behalf of poor sinners, and for the general pros- 
perity of the ransomed of the Lord." 

Messengers were appointed to meet with like representatives 
from the Pearl River and Union Associations at Bogue Chitto 



40 ABSTRACT HISTOEY OF THE 

church, Pike county, on Saturday before the third Lord's day 
in February, 1824, "to assist in forming a constitution for the 
more systematic and efficient appropriation of your talents in 
the great concerns of religion." This move looked to the form- 
ing of a State Convention. 

This minute closes with these words: "The duties of the 
meeting being accomplished, the Moderator made a serious^ 
affectionate address, prayed to the Great Head of the church, 
and pronounced the apostolic benediction." 



1 R^4 "^ Tew P rov idence, Amite county, October 9th, 

10th and 11th. Elder Irion preached the 
sermon from John, 17: 10, "And all mine are thine, and thine 
are mine, and I am glorified in them. ' ' 

Galilee and Sandy Creek churches were cordially received, the 
delegates being D. Thompson and J. 'Birmingham from the for- 
mer, and R. M. Green and A. Holmes from the latter. 

Davis Collins a'nd Shadrach Coker came from the Pearl River 
Association, and the appointments for the Lord's day services 
were Elders Cooper, Collins and Courtney. 

It appears that a State Convention had been organized, as this 
item will show: "Agreed that our delegates to the next meeting 
of the State Convention be D. Cooper, E. Courtney, E. Estes, S. 
Marsh, G. A. Irion, C. Felder and W. Balfour; and that this 
Association loan the Convention all their unappropriated funds 
for the promotion of Domestic Missions." 

Another preacher had answered the summons of death, and 
the brethren express their sympathy and esteem in this way: 

"We have to lament the death of our beloved brother, Elder 
John Smith, who departed this life since our last annual meet- 
ing. His zeal in the cause of his Master was great. His loss is 
very sensibly felt amongst the churches who enjoyed the benefit 
of his labors. But we hope our loss was his gain, and that he 
has received the crown of righteousness which was laid up in 
heaven for him. This ought to admonish us that here we have 
no continuing city, and calls for our most fervent prayer that 
God would send forth more laborers into his vineyard." 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 41 

Mr. Smith had prepared the circular letter on " Contribu- 
tion for Religious Purposes," and it is published in this year's 
minutes. The letter makes a strong plea for greater liberality 
in the cause of religion, and especially for pastoral support, as 
the following interesting extract will show: 

"The minister of Christ has a work ef infinite value com- 
mitted to his trust; a work which he cannot neglect without 
wounding his own soul and dishonoring the cause of his divine 
Master. To this work he feels it his duty entirely to devote him- 
self. This he is unable to do, however, unless his labors are re- 
ciprocated by those to whom he ministers. Ministers are earthen 
vessels to whom this treasure is committed, men of like passions 
as others, formed of the same clay, fed with the same aliment, 
clothed with the same raiment as others, and this clay must be 
nourished, this food provided, this raiment furnished to them as 
to other men. The Apostles and early ministers thought it not 
good for them to leave the Word of God to serve tables ; and so 
in the present day, when the minister of the "Word is compelled 
to abandon the holy calling six days in the week for the sus- 
tenance of the body, and to procure himself the means of trav- 
eling and preaching on the seventh, the church must be neg- 
lected, and languish in consequence. He has had no time dur- 
ing the fatigues of the week for study, for pious contemplation 
or retired communion with his God. His mind is unfurnished 
to convey instruction; his heart cold and languid. He cannot 
arouse his sleepy audience by feeling and pathetic exhortation, 
for he cannot feel. Discouraged in spirit, he cannot strengthen 
the weak hands and confirm the feeble knees of his brethren, 
for he needs the same kind offices." 

This remarkable message of the dying preacher, written in 
1824, is clear and scriptural, and needs to be heeded even yet. 



1825 October 15th, 16th and 17th the body was in 

session with Shiloh church, Wilkinson 
county. Elliott Estes was the preacher of the introductory ser- 
mon, the text of which was I Thes. £ : 19, 20. For the second 
time, Ezra Courtney was elected moderator, and a new secre- 
tary was installed, by the name of Elisha Andrews. 
(4) 



42 ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 

The messengers from Pearl River Association were Norvell 
Robertson and J. P. Martin. The name of the former is given 
as N. Robinson, but this is evidently an error, as both the time 
and section of country suit for Norvell Robertson, Sr. We are 
informed by L. S. Foster in "Mississippi Baptist Preachers/' 
page 579, that Mr. Robertson, though a Virginian by birth, spent 
his ministerial life in Georgia and Mississippi. He was a 
preacher for more than fifty years, and was the father of Nor- 
vell Robertson, Jr., the author of "Handbook of Theology." 

Mr. Martin was also a Virginian, coming to Mississippi in 
1817. He was M. T. Martin's father, and was a man of strong 
native ability. Both these preachers lived to see their ninety- 
first year. 

Those appointed to preach on the Lord's day were Chas. Fel- 
der, Norvell Robertson and J. A. Ranaldson. 

Delegates were appointed to the next State Convention, and 
S. Hopkins, of New Hope church, was requested to procure a 
file of the minutes of the Association from the time of organi- 
zation. 

The circular letter was on ''Christian Zeal," and was written 
by Elliott Estes. 

1 R?fi Hepzibah church, Feliciana parish, Louisiana, 

was the place of meeting, from the 14th to, 
the 16th of October. The first sermon was by Elder Balfour, 
from I Peter, 5: 2-4. Ezra Courtney was re-elected moderator, 
while J. A. Ranaldson was chosen clerk. Salem church was re- 
ceived, the delegates being W. Jacobs and H. Bond. The loca- 
tion of this church is not given in the minutes, but, judging from 
the names of the messengers for this and the next few years, 
it is believed to have been in Pike county. 

Elders Cooper, Felder and Ranaldson did the preaching on 
the Sabbath, and a collection of $110.75 was taken for domestic 
missions, which sum • was paid over to the treasurer of the 
"Mississippi Baptist State Convention." This was not the 
present State Convention, but one formed from the associations 
in Southwest Mississippi, and which ceased to exist about 1829 
or 1830, as we hear no more of it after this date. 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 43 

A resolution was adopted recommending all members of the 
churches to discontinue the too common use of ardent spirits as 
a "luxury," and to use them only in cases of necessity as a medi- 
cine. This is the first admonition we find against the use of 
this ''luxury" (?), and shows that the evil of drink was being 
felt. 



1 QOy The Association held its meeting this year 

with the Woodville people, October 19th to 
21st. The introductory sermon, from I Cor. 15: 15, was deliv- 
ered by Chas. Felder, who was also elected moderator, while 
Chas. G. Hatch was chosen secretary. One new church, the 
Natalbany (Louisiana), was received, the delegates being R. 
Beavers and T. Packston. 

Elders Cooper and Marsh came as corresponding messengers 
from the Union. Association, and Elder Brakerfield from the 
Pearl River. Initials are not given. 

The churches at St. Francisville and Sharon had mutually 
agreed to become one church, taking the name of Feliciana, and 
so notified the Association. 

January 1st was still recommended to be observed as a day of 
humiliation and prayer. And it was stated that the day of 
American independence was too generally abused ; hence, the 
churches were requested to assemble on the Fourth of July for 
prayer, praise and preaching. 

Elders Newland, Marsh, Cooper and Creath did the preaching 
on the Sabbath, and at the close of the services the Lord's Sup- 
per was observed. 

It is difficult to account for the decrease in membership this 
year, when about the same number of churches is reported. Last 
year, 612; this year, 348. 

It may be of interest to give some items from the meeting of 
the Mississippi Baptist State Convention, as a minute for this 
year (1827) is at hand. This minute, now eighty years old, and 
still in a good state of preservation, belongs to Mr. Winchester 
Everett, of East Fork. 

The convention met at Mars Hill, November 2d, 3d and 4th, 
this being the fifth annual session. Elder Norvell Robertson 



44 ABSTKACT HISTOBY OF THE 

preached the convention sermon from Luke, 2: 49, "Wist ye 
not that I must be about my Father's business?" Messengers 
were present from three Associations — viz., the Union, Missis- 
sippi and Pearl Kiver. David Cooper was chosen president; J. 
Creath, secretary, and Davis Collins, corresponding secretary. 
The trustees were Chas. Felder, J. P. Martin and J. Thigpen. 

David Cooper, J. P. Martin, Norvell Robertson, Chas. Felder 
and A. Mercer had labored as missionaries of the Convention 
during the past year, and their reports were very gratifying. 
They had traveled hundreds of miles, preached to large crowds 
of attentive listeners, and baptized many people. The fund on 
hand was $569.80, from which the missionaries were paid. 

We find the following strong resolution in this old minute: 

"Resolved, That this Convention considers drunkenness one of 
the most injurious and worst of vices in the community, and we 
deeply deplore the destructive ravages made in our country and 
churches by the excessive and improper use of ardent spirits. 
And we do, therefore, most affectionately exhort our brethren to 
use their best efforts to check this worst of evils." 

The old saying that Baptist preachers once commonly carried 
whisky in their saddle-pockets is not much in accord with this 
resolution. 

The custom of having "circular letters" published in the min- 
utes was continued by the Convention; but, the appointee hav- 
ing failed to prepare one for this year, the body substituted an 
address by S. M. Noel, of Kentucky, on the subject of "Creeds," 
from which the following extracts are taken: 

"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to 
dwell together in unity! Standing fast in one spirit, with one 
mind, speaking the same thing— of one accord, of one heart, and 
of one soul— acknowledging one Lord, possessing one faith, prac- 
ticing one baptism; speaking the truth in love, growing up into 
Him in all things which is the head, even Christ, making one 
body in Christ. Not one in name or theory only, but one in their 
religious experience, one in their views of the plan of salvation; 
animated and encouraged by the same hope, while observing and 
practicing the same duties. Such is the unity and symmetry 
of the church of Jesus Christ as described by the pen of in- 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 45 

spiration. # * * Can a church, a New Testament church, 
keeping the unity of the Spirit, in the bond of peace and love, 
be found in that miserable babel composed of Trinitarians, Uni- 
tarians, Hutchinsonians, Universal Restorationists, Rellyan Uni- 
versalists, Destrovetionists, Swedenborgians, Mystics, Dunkers, 
Jumpers, Shakers, and all others who profess to take the Bible 
for their guide?" 

The address takes a strong position for unity of faith and 
practice, as opposed to creeds. "Whether Mr. Noel was a rela- 
tive of the present distinguished Governor of Mississippi is not 
known. 



1 R?8 ^ e Association convened with Zion Hill, be- 

ginning October 17th. Ezra Courtney 
preached the opening sermon from Acts, 20: 28. Chas. Felder 
was retained as moderator, J. A. Ranaldson being chosen sec- 
retary. 

Mount Nebo church was received, returning from the Pearl 
River Association. The delegates were P. Bankston and J. Tate. 
The usual correspondence was maintained/ and a mission col- 
lection was taken on the Sabbath, amounting to l$93.37y 2 , which 
was delivered to the delegates to the State Convention. 

The churches were requested to report the dates of their con- 
stitution at the next annual meeting, and the body adjourned to 
meet with Jerusalem church next year. 

1 R?Q October 16th to 18th the Association was in 

session with Jerusalem church, Amite 
county. The opening sermon was by Ezra Courtney again this 
year, and he was made moderator, while Mr. Ranaldson was re- 
elected clerk. The correspondence with other bodies was still 
large, the Pearl River Association sending Elder Jesse Craw- 
ford, whose name appears for the first time. 

The preaching on the Lord's day was by Elders Cooper, 
Courtney and Ranaldson, and a mission collection of $66 was 
received. Treasurer J. M. Mumford reported amount on hand 
as $146.12. 



46 ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 

1 8*^0 ^e place of meeting is Ebenezer, and the 

time October 15th, 16th and 17th. Chas. 
Felder preaches the sermon from I Cor. 13: 13, "And now 
abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of 
these is charity. ' ' 

Ezra Courtney is again chosen to preside, and a new man, 
Maston Cram, is the scribe. J. I\I. Mumford resigns the office of 
treasurer, and David Lea. is elected to succeed him. 

About this time the doctrinal teaching of Alexander Campbell 
was exerting a mischievous influence, bringing strife and di- 
visions, and the Association warned the churches to discounte- 
nance these heretical doctrines ; also, not to invite into their 
pulpits any preacher holding the same. 

A. S. Mercer had been engaged as associational missionary 
the past year. His report showed that he had traveled 670 
miles, being engaged ninety-seven days, and had preached " to 
about eighteen hundred people. He was paid $37 for this 
service. 

Salem church presented this query for consideration: "What 
will amount to heresy in a Baptist church in a scriptural point 
of view?" To which the following answer was given: '-'A de- 
parture from any gospel doctrine is heresy, according to the 
Scriptures. The Baptists believing that their faith is in strict 
conformity to the Scriptures, whatever is contrary to their faith 
is heresy to them." 

One by one the old preachers are passing away, and we hear 
of them no more. This time it is David Cooper, whose name we 
have so often heard, and who had been so active and faithful 
all these years. He was the Association's second moderator, and 
served in that capacity at different times for ten years. Mr. 
Cooper came from old Salem church, and was associated with 
such men as Richard Curtis, Moses Hadley, Ezra Courtney and 
Thomas Mercer. 

The following brief sketch is from the Baptist Encyclopedia? 
page 274: 

""Rev. David Cooper, M. D., was a distinguished pioneer Bap- 
tist in southwest Mississippi, Avho combined the callings of min- 
ister and physician. He came to the State in 1802, and from 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 47 



this time until his death in 1830 he was assiduous in his labors 
in Southwestern Mississippi and Eastern Louisiana, and, per- 
haps, did more than any other man to give character to these 
early Baptists. Himself a man of learning, he was a vigorous 
advocate of ministerial education. He was also an active pro- 
moter of missions. ' ? 

Mention is made in the minutes of the departure of the old 
servant of God as follows: 

"Resolved, unanimously, That we do very sensibly feel our 
very great loss in the death of our dearly beloved and vener- 
able Dr. D. Cooper. He was a laborer in this vineyard in early 
times. He labored long for the prosperity, union and happiness 
of these churches under circumstances and seasons that tried the 
souls of men. He endured hardships as a good soldier, distinctly 
characterized for firmness, decision, gentleness, prudence and 
circumspection. He persevered with patience and untiring zeal 
in the great and benevolent enterprise of the gospel. He died 
as he lived, strong in the faith, exemplary in fortitude and holi- 
ness, giving glory, honor and praise to God in the highest. His 
light was shed on all around; his influence and usefulness were 
realized by all. But his work is done ; he is gone to his long and 
happy home; the mourners are seen in his beloved family, in 
all the churches, in all the Associations. And our sorrow, 
though not without hope, will continue as long as his memory 
lives in this body." 

It is worthy of remark that up to this time Mr. Cooper was 
never called " Doctor" in the associational minutes. In fact, ti- 
tles were not much in use among these early Baptists. They 
sometimes employed the term "Elder." but more generally all 
titles were left off. 



1831 Tlie ^ ssociation met witn ^ ew Providence 

church, Amite county, October 21st to 23d. 
Davis Collins preached from John, 5: 39, 40. Letters from 
seventeen churches were read, and Ezra Courtney was re-elected 
moderator, with David Lea as clerk. Nothing is said about elect- 
ing another treasurer, so we conclude that Mr. Lea held both 
offices. 



48 ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 

Hopewell church, Franklin county, was received, the dele- 
gates being J. F. Lee and J. Ford. 

Davis Collins, Shadrach Coker and Jesse Crawford were the 
corresponding messengers from the Pearl River Association; J. 
Burch and N. Morris from the Union, and J. Hill from the 
Louisiana. 

The appointments for the Sabbath services were Elders Mor- 
ris, Courtney and Collins. 

Ezra Courtney was paid the sum of $50, and Charles Felder 
$29.50, for missionary work. 

The circular letter this year was written by Ezra Courtney, 
his subject being the "Omniscience of God." and beginning as 
follows : 

' ' The book of nature and divine revelation declares the infinite 
wisdom, power and goodness of God. The starry heavens, mov- 
ing in the most profound order for thousands of years without 
varying from the divine appointment, declare an infinite Creator 
who made them. God comprehends every inch of space and 
minute of time, with every creature and action, whether good 
or evil, that has been or may be, from the beginning of the world 
to the end thereof. * * * With God there is no progression 
of time or succession of thought; but all His decrees and deter- 
minations are coeval with Himself, and according to His good 
pleasure. He decreed to have a church or kingdom in the world 
of holy men and women to obey and serve Him in love. The 
number of these subjects with God are definitely known, from 
righteous Abel to the top stone that will be brought in with 
shouting, saying, ' Grace, grace unto it': and they are in the 
all-comprehending mind of God, the future with the past; their 
names are written in heaven in the Lamb's Book of Life, and 
they are known with more accuracy than ever a military officer 
numbered his troops." 

After writing along this line at some length, Mr. Courtney 
discusses heresies and divisions, and finally draws his sword on 
Alexander Campbell and his followers in this robust fashion: 

"When Alexander Campbell first came before the public as 
a writer his religious views and feelings were thought to be iden- 
tified with the Baptists. Some thought him a champion in 
Israel ; but it was not long before some discovered a want of sta- 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 49 

bility in him. Like clouds that are carried about of winds, like 
a wandering star, he has gone from the highest views of Cal- 
vin to the lowest grade of Arminianism. Poor man ! How des- 
perately he has fallen! When Mr. Campbell announced that 
historically believing that Jesus Christ was the Son of God was 
the only requisite to baptism, and that baptism was regenera- 
tion itself, the Baptists knew too well what these heresies had 
done, and would do again, if admitted. They withdrew their 
fellowship from Mr. Campbell and his followers. Though he 
thought to have escaped being noticed by crying out against 
popery and priestcraft, he has entirely failed. He is like the 
nurse that cries out against the child that she daily nurtures; 
he cries out against what his principles have produced and 
naturally lead to. Because the Baptists did not choose to build 
meeting-houses for their worst enemies, and hold in their com- 
munion those that were laboring to divide and destroy their 
churches, Mr. Campbell charges them with being the worst per- 
secuting sect in Christendom, the Roman Catholics in Spain only 
excepted. This charge he knew was not true when he made 
it; but evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, de- 
ceiving and being deceived. (2 Tim. 3 : 13.) Those Campbell- 
ites that have come among us, saying that they were Blaptists 
and were not, we have found to be deceivers, railers at our 
faith, our associations, Christian experience, and the special 
operations of the Spirit of God on the soul. These schismatics 
have produced discord and schism between those that had long 
lived in unity. Some of them have shown no regard to the civil 
nor religious rites of the church, but have made their way to 
our pulpits with violence, in one instance forcing off the weath- 
erboarding of a good house, and going in with impunity and 
speaking reproachfully of us. From the overbearing conduct 
and language of Campbell and his party, what would be the con- 
sequence were five-eighths of the United States of their faith?" 
From the foregoing deliverance on Mr. Campbell and his ad- 
herents it appears that considerable discord and excitement pre- 
vailed at this time. The incident of forcing off the weather- 
boarding of a church, referred to by Mr. Courtney, a footnote 
says occurred at Ebenezer, in Amite county. 



50 ABSTEACT HISTORY OF THE 

1 ft*^P ^^ e mee ' (: i n ? was ne ld w ith Mount Xebo 

church, Louisiana, not far from the present 
town of Amite City, beginning October 20th. Jesse Young 
preached the sermon from I Peter, 5: 9, "Feed the flock of God 
which is among you." The presiding officer was Chas. Felder, 
and the clerk. David Lea. 

There was much preaching at these meetings, as the follow- 
ing appointments will show: Those for the Lord's day being 
Elders Crawford. Courtney and Collins, while those for Mon- 
day were J. T. Fairchild. J. E. Bailey and Win. Fortinberry. 
Several of these ministers were visitors. And here we meet 
with William Fortinberry for the first time. 

It is no new thing for spirituous liquors to be sold at religious 
meetings, as this resolution will indicate : 

"Resolved, That this Association do discountenance all 
traffic in spirituous liquors, beer, cider, or bread, within such a 
distance of our meetings as to in any wise disturb our peace and 
worship : and we do, therefore, earnestly request all persons to 
refrain from the same." 

Another resolution was passed, complaining of a sad decline 
in religious activity, and of a violent spirit of political strife. 
Mention was also made of the fearful march of cholera and 
other wasting pestilences abroad in the land. Whereupon a day 
was appointed for solemn fasting and prayer to Almighty God 
that He might interpose His gracious and powerful arm in re- 
viving the churches, in restraining the spirit of violence, and in 
causing the pestilence to depart. 

A committee was authorized to employ a suitable man as mis- 
sionary within the limits of the Association, who should receive 
one dollar per day for his services. 



1 QQQ Hepzibah church, Louisiana, October 19th, 

20th and 21st. Charles Felder delivered 
the introductory discourse from Acts, 5: 42, "And daily in the 
temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach 
Jesus Christ." 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 51 

Ezra Courtney was the presiding officer, while David Lea con- 
tinued to do the writing. Two churches were received— viz., 
Friendship, in Pike county, and Beulah, in Washington parish, 
Louisiana. Their delegates were Z. Reeves from the former, 
and W. Sibley and W. Hagan from the latter. This is our first 
introduction to Zachariah Reeves, who is to have a remarkable 
career for nearly forty years to come. 

The appointments for preaching on the Sabbath were Elders 
Young, Coker, Felder and Reeves, the latter to conclude by 
exhortation. And the treasurer's report showed $156.62 on 
hand for missionary purposes. 

The doctrines of Alexander Campbell, also the "two-seed" 
theory, were still agitating the public mind, and the old "Missis- 
sippi"' makes another deliverance as follows: 

"Resolved, unanimously, That this Association discountenance 
and will not fellowship or knowingly commune with any church 
or individual member who holds the doctrines or dogmas held 
by the Christian Baptists, alias the Campbellites ; and, also, those 
held by Elder Parker, alias the two-seed doctrine, so far as re- 
lates to the eternal existence of the devil and his being literally 
the father of a certain portion of the human family.'' 

As we proceed along the years we find that each generation 
has its peculiar trials and difficulties. No time or place is ex- 
empt, and so it will ever be until the Christ shall come again 
and banish the reign of sin. 



1 R^4 ^ as ^ -^ or ^ church g ete the meeting this year, 

the time being October 18th to 20th. The 
sermon is delivered by the venerable Ezra Courtney from Acts, 
15 : 6, and the same officers are continued. 

The Sabbath services were conducted by Elders Crawford, 
Courtney and Martin; on Monday by Elders Davis, Webb, 
Reeves and Coker. Some of these were visitors, and frequently 
no initials are given. 

The Association withdraws from the Natalbany church (Lou- 
isiana) because of their having embraced the erroneous " two- 
seed' ' theory. A few female members had remained true, and 



52 ABSTKACT HISTORY OF THE 

they were advised to unite with some church of the Baptist 
faith. 

It is most gratifying that our brethren of past generations 
were so correct and zealous on the question of world-wide 
evangelization. The following splendid resolution was adopted 
at this meeting : 

"Resolved, That this Association recommend the churches of 
her union to take into view the blessing of God on foreign and 
home missionary labors ; that each individual should instruct 
himself by a liberal and prayerful zeal to send the gospel to 
every human being, for it is God's method by which He will 
give to His Son the heathen for His inheritance, and the re- 
motest parts of the earth for His possession." 

This tribute is paid to the memory of Elder James Cain, who 
had died since the last annual meeting: 

"The Association laments her loss in the death of Bro. James 
Cain. His opportunities in the ministry had always been lim- 
ited, but in soundness of faith and a gospel walk there are few 
that excel him. In his perfect senses, he met death in triumph, 
leaving a lonely wife and a large family of children to mourn 
their loss, while he entered into the joys of his Lord." 



1 R^^ ^his mee "^ n ? was ne ^ with Zion Hill church, 

Amite county, embracing October 17th to 
19th. Elder Shadrach Coker preached the opening sermon from 
I Peter, 1 : 23-25, and the body was organized by the election of 
Chas. Felder moderator and Henry D. F. Roberts clerk, the 
latter being a new preacher from Hepzibah church, in Louisiana. 

Two new churches were received— viz.. First Church, of Jack- 
son, Louisiana, and Ramah church, in Lawrence county. Dele- 
gates from the former were S. M. Bryan and F. Bryan ; from the 
latter, F. White. 

J. P. Martin came as a messenger from the Pearl River As- 
sociation : J. Fairchild and J. "Webb from the Union. 

The Sabbath services, conducted by Elders Webb, Fairchild 
and Courtney, were said to be deeply spiritual. It may be ob- 
served that the effort was made at these associational meetings 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 53 

to reach the unconverted, and frequently there were seasons of 
revival. 

Another preacher appears on the scene this year in the per- 
son of Thomas M. Bond. He comes with Chas. Felder from East 
Fork. 

The ''Committee on Missions" made this report: 

"Bro. Chas. Felder rode thirty days, preached thirty-six ser- 
mons, and traveled 444 miles, for which he is allowed $30. Bto. 
Jesse Young rode nineteen days, preached twenty sermons, and 
traveled 350 miles, for which service he is allowed $19." 

It was reported on good authority that J. A. Eanaldson had 
embraced heretical views, and the Association withdrew from 
him in consequence. Mr. Eanaldson had held positions of honor 
and trust; had been often appointed to preach, and was evi- 
dently held in high esteem among" his brethren. The incident is 
a sad one, and serves to recall Paul's admonition, "Be ye stead- 
fast, unmovable." 



1 R^fi The Association met with Galilee church, Oc- 

tober 15th to 17th. The first sermon was 
preached by H. D. F. Roberts, and the body was organized by 
re-electing the same officers. The church at Clinton, La., applied 
for admission, her delegates being James B. Smith and John M. 
Trescott. 

The visiting ministers were James Bailie, fm. Martin, Ash- 
ley Vaughan, S. S. Lattimore and Jesse Crawford. 

The matter of forming another State Convention was consid- 
ered, and it was recommended that a meeting, consisting of dele- 
gates from associations, churches and missionary societies, be 
held at Washington, Miss., in December following, to consider 
the propriety of organizing such Convention. This looked to 
the forming of the present State Convention. 

Satisfaction was expressed that the great missionary, Adoni- 
ram Judson, had completed the translation of the Bible into the 
Burman language. And, the Judson Female Institute then be- 
ing contemplated, was recommended to the friends of religion 
and literature. 



54 ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 

The "Southwestern Religious Luminary," edited by Ashley 
Vaughan, Washington, Miss., was indorsed and recommended. 



1 8^7 ^ e meeting is with Jerusalem church, 

Amite county, October 14th to 16th. J. B. 
Smith preaches the sermon from Luke, 16:2," Give an account 
of thy stewardship." Nineteen churches are represented, and 
the same officers are re-elected. Three more churches are re- 
ceived—viz., Mount Enon and Bethlehem, in St. Helena parish, 
and Hebron, in Livingston parish, Louisiana. J. Strickland and 
S. M. Bankston were from Mount Enon; D. W. Chaney and A. 
Penning from Bethlehem; T. M. Bond and H. Achord from 
Hebron. 

The usual correspondence was maintained; J. P. Martin and 
William Fortinberry coming from the Pearl River Association; 
N. Granberry, from the Union ; G. Sommerill and J. Craft, from 
the Leaf River. 

Elders Granberry, Martin and Collins were selected for the 
Lord's day services. 

No mission work is reported, the funds having been turned over 
in 1835 to the Baptist Home Mission Society for Louisiana and 
Mississippi. And a resolution is passed, expressing gratitude 
and approval for the work of the Society. 



1 OOO Jackson. La., in the Presbyterian house of 

worship, is where the saints gather this year 
on the 6th, 7th and 8th of October. Zachariah Reeves is the 
preacher of the introductory sermon, the text being Titus 2 : 14. 
Letters from twenty-one churches are received, and the present 
officers are re-elected. Three new churches ask to be admitted— 
viz., Mount Pleasant, Pike county, and the churches at Liberty, 
Miss., and Baton Rouge, La. Zachariah Reeves and R. Albritton 
came from Mount Pleasant; D. Lea and N. Chalfant from Lib- 
erty ; P. Thomas and William Thomas from Baton Rouge. 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 55 

The corresponding messengers from other bodies were : From 
Pearl River Association, William Fortinberry ; from the Union, 
J. Bailey; from the Leaf River, G. Davis and T. C. Hunt. 

Elders Davis Collins, Zachariah Reeves and H. D. F. Roberts 
were appointed to preach on the Sabbath; while Elders Fortin- 
berry, Bailey, Bond and Davis were selected for Monday. 

Ezra Courtney, possibly the oldest minister in the Association, 
who was in the organization more than thirty years ago, and 
who all this time has been an honored and leading man, finds him- 
self in trouble with Hepzibah and Ebenezer churches. He pre- 
sented a petition to the Association complaining of "corrupt and 
unjust conduct" towards him by these churches. The petition, 
however, was rejected on the ground that the Association had 
no right to interfere with the government of the churches, but 
recommended that an advisory council be called to investigate 
the trouble. 

The Circular letter was written this year by H. D. F. Roberts 
on "Gospel Order." 



1 QQQ The body convened October 5th, 6th and 7th 

with New Providence church. Thomas M. 
Bond delivered the Associational sermon from Ps. 126: 3, "The 
Lord hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad. ' ' 

. Twenty-six churches were represented, and the body was or- 
ganized by re-electing Chas. Felder moderator, and by the elec- 
tion of C. E. Pinckney clerk. Two more churches were received, 
viz. : Mr. Ebal, in Livingston parish, and Mr. Moriah, in East 
Baton Rouge parish, La. R. Hutchinson came from the former, 
while M. Naul and D. Lewis were delegates from the latter. 
Yisiting ministers were M. Chadick, William Fortinberry, W. 
Magee, S. Thigpen, W. Mullins and V. W. Brock. And the Sab- 
bath appointments were Fortinberry, Reeves and Thigpen ; while 
those for Monday were Brock, Mullins, Collins and Wall. 

Whether the Advisory Council was ever called in the case of 
Mr. Courtney and the two churches mentioned, does not appear ; 
but Hepzibah church complained to - the Association that Mr. 
Courtney, whom she had exclude!, had been received into fel- 
lowship by the church at Jackson, La. The body still refused to 
interfere, repeating the advice given last year. 



56 ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 

The Association delivers an opinion on valid baptism, viz: 
That a regularly authorized administrator, a believer in Christ, 
and an immersion in the name of the Trinity, are the three 
things necessary. Therefore, immersion administered by 
Campbellite preachers, or "reforming teachers," as they styled 
themselves, was not valid baptism. 

The Circular Letter was written on ' ' Christian Communion, ' ' 
by Thomas M. Bond. 



1 840 Ebenezer church, Amite county, is where the 

session is held this year, October 3d, 4th 
and 5th. Colossians, 2 : 4, is the text discussed by Chas. Felder 
in preaching the Associational sermon. Twenty-four churches 
respond to the rollcall, and the organization is completed by 
continuing Chas. Felder in the chair, while J. B. Smith is se- 
lected to do the writing. Line Creek church, near the Louisiana 
line, is received, her messengers being J. Tate and L. Wall. 

- Elders N. R. Granberry, W. H. Anderson and M. Barlow were 
the visiting ministers. Breaching services on the Lord's day 
were conducted by Elders Granberry, Anderson, Reeves and 
Wall, and this observation is made: "The congregation was 
large, and although many individuals did not observe that order 
and give that strict attention which was desirable, yet we hope 
good was done, which hope was strengthened by the very favor- 
able appearances in the close on Monday evening." 

Elder N. B. Granberry represented the Executive Board of 
the Mississippi Baptist State Convention, and made an address 
before the Association. This was the present State Convention, 
and Mr. Granberry was called the agent of the Board. Nothing 
is said of co-operation. 

The body mourns the deaths of two more of her preachers, 
viz: Davis Collins and N. A. Skillinger. Mr. Collins had long 
been active in the work of the ministry, while Mr. Skillinger had 
been only recently licensed. The obituary says: "Bro. Collins 
was a native of South Carolina, and for many years a respect- 
able preacher in that State; but for the last nineteen years he 
has labored with great ability and acceptance in the State of 
Mississippi, making a period of fifty-two years in which he was 
engaged in the ministry." 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 57 

No mention is made of the trouble between the Hepzibah and 
Jackson churches concerning Mr. Courtney, but his name ap- 
pears as a delegate from Ebenezer. 

The following is a list of the churches and delegates for 1840, 
and the reader will notice the custom then in use of employing 
single initials: 

New Providence— D. Cox, J. Thompson. 

Ebenezer— W. Jackson, E. Courtney. 

East Fork— /C. Felder, J. Everett. 

Zion Hill— M. Seal, A. Butler. 

Jerusalem— W. B. Wall, H. "Wall. 

Hepzibah— S. Walker, B. Taylor. 

Mt. Nebo— D. Sanders, P. Bankston. 

Mars Hill— W. Whittington. R. Roundtree. 

Mt. Zion— A. Cloy, W. Totton. 

Hopewell— T. Potter, M. Cuckles. 

Galilee— J. Stranghan, T. Causey. 

Salem— R. Quin, P. Bond. 

Pinckneyville— N. Bowren. 

"Friendship— S. Coker, A. Moak. 

Beulah— W. L. Sibley, J. Brewer. 

Ramah— J. Young, W. Clark. 

Jackson— F. Brian. 

Bethlehem— D. Morgan, A. Pennington. 

Mt. Enon-C. D. Strickland, S. N. Bankston. 
. Mt. Pleasant— Z. Reeves, S. Prestridge. 

Liberty— J. B. Turnipseed, B>. Bates. 

Mt. Moriah— D. Lewis, W. Vinings. 

Line Creek— J. Tate, L. Wall. 



1841 East Fork ' Amite county, is the place of meet- 

ing on the 1st, 2d and 3d of October. 
Zachariah Reeves is the first preacher to be heard, whose text is 
Acts, 20: 28. Letters are read from twenty-seven churches, and 
a new moderator and clerk are chosen— viz., Shadrach Coker and 
Hamilton McKnight, both preachers. Six more churches send 
messengers across the country with letters, asking admission into 
the Mississippi Association, as follows: 

Sharon— C Hughes, G. Hughes. 

Mt. Pisgah— W. H. Varnado, J. Brewer. 
(5) 



58 ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 

Bluff Creek— D. M. Chaney, D. Morgan. 

Mt. Gilead— P. H. Harbour, J. Simpson. 

New Orleans— F. Clark. 

Friendship— G. Ryals. 

These churches were all in Louisiana, except Friendship. 
Whether the church from New Orleans is the one which, having 
been dismissed, had returned, is not stated. 

The committee reported that Elders TV. H. Anderson, William 
Fortinberry, F. Clark and Shadrach Coker would preach on 
the Sabbath in the order of their names. 

Notice is taken of the death of Deacon John Stranghan, of 
Galilee church. He is spoken of as an esteemed member and 
an efficient laborer. 

Strange as it may seem, for a number of years nothing has 
been said about any of the subjects of general interest, such as 
temperance, education, missions, etc. It is probable that the 
Association was still co-operating with the Baptist Home Mis- 
sion Society for Louisiana and Mississippi ; but. if so. no reports 
were made. 

A familiar name appears in the list of delegates this year. It 
is that of A. TV. Smith, from Mt. Enon church, in Louisiana. 
When a young man. Mr. Smith united with East Fork church, 
being baptized by Elder Chas. Felder one cold day, when the ice 
was plentiful. He afterward moved to Louisiana, where he lived 
to the great age of 86 years and eight months. He was in the 
organization of the Mississippi River Association, and was, be- 
yond doubt, the last survivor of that meeting. For a number of 
years Mr. Smith was the treasurer, and afterward the moderator 
of that body. His death occurred December 12. 1901, in St. 
Helena parish, La., sixty years after he was in this meeting of 
the old "Mississippi." 



1 842 Bluff Creek church, in Louisiana, was the 

place of meeting from September 30th to 
October 2d. Elder M. Barlow preached the introductory ser- 
mon from Romans. 3, 28. Thirty-four churches answered to 
their names, and two others were received — Jordan, in West 
Feliciana parish. Louisiana, and Spring Hill, in Franklin 
county, Mississippi. T. Woods and S. Woods were from the 
former, and J. Sojourner and H. B. Cole from the latter. 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 59 

Chas. Felder and Thomas M. Bond were chosen moderator and 
clerk respectively. The visiting ministers were T. Rand, Jr., A 
J. Spencer, J. Bailey, W. Mullins, William Fortinberry and 
Calvin Magee. 

The name of the Pinckneyville church was changed to Fort 
Adams, in accordance with an act of the Mississippi Legislature, 
and the Association recognized the new name. 

The committee on devotional exercises made this report: 
' ' That Brethren Magee, Mullins and Fortinberry preach on Sat- 
urday, and Brethren Reeves, Clark, Felder and Bailey preach on 
Sunday. ' ' 

The Association had cause to regret that at different times 
there had appeared in a certain paper, the' "Banner and Pio- 
neer," peculiar expressions, calculated to injure the views and 
characters of the ministry and churches of this body. Here are 
some of the expressions complained of: "Singing psalms in a 
cock loft"; "strikers" : "guardians of the faith" • " self -exalted, 
domineering keepers of conscience"; "pullers of wires, " etc. 

Nothing is said of the nature or location of this paper, but 
the Association "resolved" that these things were "highly cen- 
surable. ' ' 

The name of G. F. Webb appears for the first time as a dele- 
gate from Liberty. Mr. Webb is to be a prominent and use- 
ful member of the body for many years to come. 

There is a report in this year's minutes on the "State of Re- 
ligion, " showing an increase in membership of two hundred and 
three. Concerning the New Orleans church, the report says: 
"This church, under the pastoral labor of Bro. F. Clark, has ex- 
perienced a steady and permanent growth; their congregations 
are well attended, and the smiles of God are continued to them. 
Among their number baptized, were two Pedo-Baptist preachers, 
men of talents and experience, who promise usefulness." 



1843 ^^ e Association met this year for the first 

time with the Liberty church, the date be- 
ing September 30th to October 3d. Howell Wall preached the 
opening sermon from John, 3 : 16. 

The Association was in mourning over the departure of her 
former Moderator, Chas. Felder, and a committee was author- 
ized to prepare a suitable obituary. 



60 ABSTRACT HISTOEY OF THE 

Zachariah Keeves goes to the Moderator's seat for the first 
time, a position he is to fill for many years. H. D. F. Roberts 
was chosen to keep the records. 

Seven churches asked for dismission with a view to organizing 
another Association. They were: Hepzibah, Clinton, Bethel, 
Jerusalem, Pierce's Creek, Fort Adams and Jordan. This move 
was to organize the Mississippi Eiver Association. 

The usual correspondence from other bodies was received, and 
a number of visiting preachers were in attendance. The Lord's 
day services are well spoken of, being held in a beautiful grove 
near Liberty. J. B. Smith, T. M. Bond, William Fortinberry 
and L. Schofield were the preachers, and it is said, "Many were 
moved to tears. ' ' 

The matter of preserving the history of the Association was 
receiving attention at this early period, as the following item 
will show: 

"By motion of Bro. Roberts, Biro. E. Courtney, with the aid 
of Bro. T. M. Bond, was appointed to draw up and furnish Bro. 
D. Benedict with a brief history of this Association, and of the 
elder churches composing it." 

In the Baptist Encyclopedia, page 391, appears this brief note 
on the life of our former moderator: "Rev. Chas. Felder, a pio- 
neer preacher in Mississippi and Louisiana, was bom in 1783; 
began to preach in 1809 ; came to Mississippi in 1819, and was 
an active co-laborer with Cooper, Reeves, Courtney and others 
in South Mississippi; was often moderator of the Mississippi 
Association; died in 1843." 

The Associational committee selected to prepare a suitable 
obituary for the minutes, was composed of Elders J. B. Smith, 
Ezra Courtney and Thomas M. Bond. In their report they say: 
"It has pleased an all- wise Providence to remove, since our last 
meeting, our beloved brother and moderator, C. Felder, who was 
in the 60th year of his age, and who has been thirty-four years 
a preacher; twenty-four years of that time he has lived in this 
Association. He was a sound, consistent and able minister of the 
New Testament. As a pastor he has been surpassed by none in 
our country; as an evangelist and revivalist, few exceeded him. 
His Christian deportment and soundness in the faith, connected 
with his indefatigable labors for the extension of the Redeemer's 
Kingdom, his making and preserving peace in the denomination, 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. , 61 

and with all men, have embalmed his memory with undying 
esteem. ' ' 

Mr. Felder was moderator first in 1827, and last in 1842. He 
was a popular and useful man in his day. His home was in the 
East Fork community, and here his body waits the Savior's 
second coming. 

Mr. Felder 's wife also died during the past year, whether be- 
fore or after her husband, is not stated. A quotation says : "In 
life they were lovely and pleasant, and in their death they were; 
not long divided." 



1 844 ^^ e mee ^ m S was ne ^ w ^h Galilee church, 

October 5th, 6th and 7th. Shadrach Coker 
preached the Associational sermon from Ephesians, 3 : 8, and 
was elected moderator, with G. P. Claughton clerk. Sixteen 
churches were represented, and three others received, as fol- 
lows: Bethany, M. T. Conn and S. Foster, delegates; Mount 
Zion, William Martin and J. A. Reed, and Bogue Chitto, A. 
Reeves. Where these churches were located is not stated. It 
appears clear, however, that Bogue Chitto is the same church 
that was dismissed in 1820, to go into the organization of the 
Pearl River Association, and, after twenty-four years, returns, 
fhis may be gathered from the family names. In 1845 
this church is represented by J. Thomas and J. Walker ; in 1846, 
by J. Thomas and W. Gulledge. 

A number of visiting ministers were in attendance from other 
Associations, viz : Elders Magee, Crawford, Granberry and Bond. 
Elder W. B. Wall came from the Mississippi River Association, 
but objection was raised on a question of orthodoxy and the 
corresponding letter was tabled until Monday, when the matter 
provoked considerable discussion, and Mr. Wall finally withdrew 
the correspondence. The point of difference betweer the two 
Associations is not given, but it is probable that it involved the 
matter of election, since the two bodies express this doctrine in 
different terms. 

The Mississippi Association had under consideration at this 
time the matter of revising the fourth article of faith as respects 
form, a committee having been appointed for this purpose, com- 
posed of Ezra Courtney, S. Coker, J. Young, Z. Reeves, H. D. 
F. Roberts, W. Clark and T. R. Cheatham. In their report they 



62 . ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 

recommend that no change be made in said article, and mention 
a number of Scriptures in support of the same. 

Elders Granberry, Crawford, Bond and Young were named 
to do the preaching on the Sabbath, and it is said that the Word 
was preached with great power. 

David Lea offered his resignation as treasurer and T. R. Cheat- 
ham, of New Providence church, was elected to the pbce. And 
a resolution was passed, thanking Mr. Lea for the fidelity with 
which he had discharged the duties of his office. 

A custom was in vogue at this time of one church bringing 
charges against another church on doctrinal questions. "We have 
a case in point this year, when* Zion Hill presents a grievance 
against Liberty, and a committee is appointed to look into the 
matter; whereupon the Liberty church asked for dismission, but 
the request was denied on the ground of the existing difficulty. 



1 ft 4^ ^ e Pl ace '°^ meeting was Mount Pleasant, 

Pike county, and the time October 4th, 5th 
and 6th. Elder M. T. Conn preached the first sermon from Titus, 
2 : 14. Eighteen churches sent messengers, and the Association 
was organized by the election of Zachariah Reeves as moderator 
and G. P. Claughton as clerk. Four new churches were ad- 
mitted at this meeting, as follows : New Providence, Copiah 
county, Z. Davis, delegate; Bethesda, Wm. McCoy and T. John- 
son ; Mount Moriah, U. Gill and J. H. Sutton ; Sarepta, C. Stew- 
art and B. H. Buckley. As in so many cases, the location of 
these churches , is not given, except that of New Providence ; 
hence, it is difficult to decide whether they once belonged to this 
Association, and, being dismissed, had returned, or whether they 
were new organizations having the same names. 

Elders Fortinberry, McKenzie, Brock and Bond conducted che 
Sabbath services. Nothing whatever is said of any mission col- 
lection, nor of any missionary operations. This long silence jn 
the subject is somewhat surprising, especially, in view of the x- 
pressions and efforts of former years. The report of the Finan3e 
Committee showed $134.45 on hand, but this money was used .n 
publishing the minutes and paying the corresponding messen- 
gers to other bodies. 

The idea prevails that people of past generations were more 
or less indifferent to the cause of education; while this may 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 



have been true to some extent, it was not universally so. The fol- 
lowing resolution, passed at this meeting, indicates that our 
Baptist leaders had a high appreciation of educational advan- 
tages: "Resolved, That this Association highly approves the 
plan now moving and progressing in some parts of our State, for 
the promotion of a regular common school system of education 
throughout all the counties of the State of Mississippi." 

The doctrinal difference between Zion Hill and Liberty 
churches was reported amicably settled by the latter making 
some changes in her articles of faith. Just wljat the difference 
was is not clearly stated. 

1 84fi Mount Zion, Franklin county, gets the meet- 

ing of the Association on the 3d, 4th and 
5th of October. Elder Jesse Young is the preacher of the intro- 
ductory sermon, his text being I Thes. 5 : 21. Letters are read 
from twenty-three churches, and the organization is completed 
by the re-election of Zachariah Reeves as moderator, and G. P. 
Claughton as clerk. 

Two more churches ask for admission, viz: New Salem, West 
Feliciana, La., J. D. McFarland and B. Miles, delegates; Pierce's 
Creek, R. Tickle. The clerk adds, concerning this latter church : 
"It having withdrawn from the Mississippi River Association, 
and adopted articles of faith that were orthodox, was received 
without a letter of dismission from that body, on the ground that 
it did not come from a body of the same faith and order 
with us." 

Elders Jesse Crawford and Calvin Magee came from the Pearl 
River Association, and Elder V. W. Brock from the Union. A 
number of ministers preached during the meeting, but we still 
have no mention of any missionary work being done by the As- 
sociation. 

Towards the close of the proceedings appears this resolution: 
"Resolved, That we respectfully request the brethren and friends 
who may entertain this body at its future meetings, to refrain 
from presenting ardent spirits in their accommodations." 

This indicates clearly what the social custom was sixty years 
ago; it also shows that our leaders realized the lurking danger 
of the custom, and accordingly raised a warning voice against it. 

The Association agreed to unite with the Pearl River Associa- 
tion in setting apart Monday after the 4th Sunday in the follow- 



64 ABSTRACT HISTORY OP THE 

ing November as a day of fasting, humiliation and prayer to 
God, that He would send more gospel ministers into His vine- 
yard. The ranks of the ministry were being thinned by the 
hand of death, and the need of more preachers was felt. The 
departure of Elders "William Martin and James Bailey was 
noted, and fitting, but brief, tributes were published, as fol- 
lows: "We are called upon at this time in a truly solemn man- 
ner, to commemorate the death of one of our brethren in the 
ministry, William Martin, who departed this life in the midst of 
a field of usefulness, and has gone to reap the reward of all his 
labors. He was a member and pastor of the Mt. Zion church, 
Copiah county, Miss. We have not the particulars of his life, 
but we know him as a brother beloved in the Lord. He was truly 
bold and undaunted in defending the truth; pious in his life, 
amiable in his manners, and godly in his deportment. ' ' 

"We are also called upon by an act of Divine Providence to 
mourn the loss of Bro. James Bailey, of Copiah county, one of 
our most amiable and gifted ministers. Bro. Bailey has been 
about thirty years proclaiming with great success the unsearch- 
able riches of the Redeemer's grace; and for the last seventeen 
years was pastor of New Providence church, Copiah county, 
where his summons arrived from the throne of Jehovah, to yield 
up his earthly care, and attend to the presence of his Lord and 
Master. ' ' 



1847 ^ e Association held her forty-first annual 

meeting this year with Pierce's Creek 
church, ten miles west of Woodville, Wilkinson county, October 
2d, 3d and 4th. Elder Zachariah Eeeves preached the sermon 
from this text: "And I say unto thee that thou art Peter, and 
upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall 
not prevail against it." It would be interesting to know what 
interpretation the old preacher gave of this passage, but of this 
we have not the slightest intimation. If a guess may be ven- 
tured, however, it was that the "rock" refers to Christ rather 
than to Peter. 

The body was organized by continuing the same officers. Mt. 
Olive church, Franklin county, was received, M. Seal and W. C. 
Smith being the delegates. 

Only one corresponding messenger was present at this meet- 
ing and that was Elder Jesse Crawford, from the Pearl River 






MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 65 

Association. Mr. Crawford was probably living at this time on 
Bogue Chitto river, in Pike county, and if the reader is ac- 
quainted with South Mississippi, he will know something of the 
distance this preacher traveled to attend the Assocation ; nor was 
this a day of surreys and buggies, wide roads and good bridges. 

The appointments for preaching on the Lord 's day were Craw- 
ford, Reeves and Bond. 

A letter was received from the corresponding secretary of 
the Baptist State Convention, inviting the co-operation of the 
Association in the matter of assisting weak churches within the 
State. But it seemed to meet with little interest or response. 
The only reply made was, that the subject should be referred to 
the churches, and if any of them should "feel free to give a 
helping hand," they were to send up such funds to the next 
meeting. This apparent indifference is not so surprising, when 
we remember that it is now twelve years since we have heard 
anything of missions in the Association. 

It will be remembered that this body has not been in fraternal 
sympathy with the Mississippi River Association because of an 
alleged doctrinal difference. At this meeting a letter was re- 
ceived from the Pearl River Association, requesting the appoint- 
ment of a delegation to meet in convention with similar repre- 
sentatives from other bodies with a view to an adjustment of the 
difficulty. 

The question of preserving the history of this body was still 
in the minds of the brethren, and accordingly at this session 
Elder Thomas M. Bond was authorized to inquire into the cost of 
publishing in book form the minutes of the Association from its 
organization to the present time. If he found that the sale of 
the book would pay the cost of publication, he was to have the 
work done immediately. And Mr. Blond was to have any sur- 
plus that might arise from the sale of the book. 

A circular letter on the "Resurrection of the Body" is pub- 
lished in this Minute, written by Elder Chas. Felder a short time 
before his death. A few quotations from the old preacher's 
parting message will be read with interest. 

"For our knowledge of the resurrection of the body we are 
wholly indebted to divine revelation. Our faith in this doctrine 
rests entirely on the testimony of God. It is not analogous to 
any known law of nature, that animal bodies, once dead, should 
be reorganized and reanimated. These effects, however, can be 



66 ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 

produced by Omnipotence, and require no greater power and 
wisdom than were employed to form the body at first. 

"The Athenians mocked when they heard of the resurrection 
of the dead ; and the Sadducees, not knowing the Scriptures, re- 
jected the resurrection as an unreasonable doctrine; and even 
the Corinthians drank more or less of the same poison. But how- 
ever supernatural the work may be of raisin™ the dead, no doc- 
trine is more unequivocally asserted in the Bible— none more 
emphatically and explicitly taught. 

"Mr. Brown says, in his Bible Dictionary, that 'the law of 
God is given to our whole man, and is violated by our soul and 
body in connection. The body as an open part, admits of hints 
of good and temptations to sin. The carnal affections depend- 
ing on the body, corrupt and mislead the mind. What outward 
actions the soul designs, whether good or evil, the body executes. 
When the heart is filled with hatred to God, the tongue and other 
bodily members are instruments to execute it. When the renewed 
soul loves and cleaves to the Lord Jesus Christ, the tongue ut- 
ters his praise, and the other bodily members labor and endure 
suffering for his sake.' If these different parts of human na- 
ture share thus in actions of good or evil, it is reasonable they 
share together in the everlasting reward or punishment. Hence, 
the body must be restored to life and re-united to the soul, never 
more to be separated. * * * 

' ' Our assent to the resurrection of Christ is to be governed in 
part, though not exclusively, by the testimony of those who were 
eye-witnesses. In this respect the account given by the evangel- 
ists and apostles carries irresistible conviction. Their conduct 
in asserting the resurrection of Christ is utterly unaccountable 
on any supposition except that of a firm belief, founded on the 
resistless evidence of their own senses. Like plain, honest men, 
they simply declared the fact. They persisted in declaring it. 
From what motives did they act? Did they seek for ease, or 
fame, or wealth, or honor? No. In asserting the resurrection of 
Christ they sacrificed everything usually esteemed among men; 
they exposed themselves to reproach and persecution, to poverty 
and distress. Would thev have done these things if they had not 
had the most incontestable evidence that Christ had risen from 
the dead? * * * 

"That the same body will be raised, is evident from the very 
nature of a resurrection: for if the same body was not raised, 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 67 

it could be no resurrection, but a new creation. It is their bodies 
that were once vile and mortal, diseased and dead, that bore the 
image of the earthly Adam, that shall be raised, and changed 
into the image of the heavenly Adam, and suited to that spiritual 
and immortal felicity to which they shall be admitted. Al- 
though death and the grave will retain their captives until the 
morning of the resurrection, the Captain of our salvation has 
vanquished death, and by his burial sacrificed the grave to all be- 
lievers ; and his resurrection assures them that their bodies shall 
be raised in their triumphs of glory ; their victory over death and 
the grave will be honorable and complete. * * * It is 
worthy of remark that all men will be considered in that day 
either as in Adam or in Christ; and the righteous being in 
Christ, who lived and died and rose again as their surety, rep- 
resentative, and intercessor at the throne, they being one in 
union with Him, will consequently rise to the resurrection of life, 
and be admitted into the full fruition of glory. But the wicked 
not being found in Christ and with his righteousness on, but in 
Adam, that is to say in his depravity, corruption and guilt, will 
be raised by the power of 'Christ, as Judge of the universe ; but 
it will be to the resurrection of damnation, by which we are to 
understand everlasting shame, contempt and endless torment. 
While hell shall give up its departed son Is, the earth and sea 
shall produce their bodies, and soul and body will exist eternally 
under the wrath of God." 

"Eternity! dreadful sound 
To wretched, dying men. ' ' 

This year, 1847, is the first time we have a list of the ordained 
ministers of the Association. They were as follows : Ezra Court- 
ney, Shadrach Coker, Zachariah Keeves, Thomas M. Bond, Wil- 
son Clark, Jesse Young, J. D. McFarland, Ham McKnight, Moses 
Seal, Eoland Wilkinson. There was one licensed preacher by the 
name of A. Cloy. 

It will perhaps be of interest to many to give a list of the 
churches and delegates at this time. They were as follows : 

New Providence— R. Thompson, T. R, Cheatham. 
Ebenezer—T. M. Bond, Lewis Perkins. 
East Fork—It. B. Dickey, James W. Felder. 
Zion Hill— Isaiah Cain, A. Butler. 
Shiloh—W. P. Dyson. 



68 ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 

Galilee— J. Jones, G. P. Claughton. 

HopeweU — Elihu Gresham. 

Mars Hill— William P. Cain. 

Salem— B. Carter. 

Friendship— ¥. Young. 

Bamah— Wilson Clark. 

Jackson, La.— No delegates. 

Mt. Pleasant— Zachariah Reeves, Jas. Price. 

Liberty— A. M. Lea, W. Z. Lea. 

Mt. Zion-Willis Cotton, A. Cloy. 

Spring Hill— A. Richmond, T. W. Scott. 

Bethany— Thomas G. Bailey. 

Mt. Zion — L. Smith, J. Minton. 

Bogue Chitto—J. Thomas. 

Sarepta—C. Stewart, Elihu McCaa. 

New Salem— J. D. McFarland, B. Miles. 

Pierce's Creek— W. Rule, B. Tickle. 

Mt. Olive-M. Seal, W. C. Smith. 

This is the first time we meet with W. Z. Lea, of Liberty, who 
is to be identified with the body more than fifty years. 

Thus closes the 41st annual session of the old "Mississippi." 
It was up to and including this year that Elder Thomas M. Bond 
collected the Minutes for these forty-one years, and had them 
re-published and bound in book form, and in so doing he per- 
formed a valuable service to the denomination. It is from this 
hook that the present Abstract History has been written, mainly, 
thus far. While the old records are in some respects wanting in 
details, still they are valuable in transmitting to coming genera- 
tions the main facts of the first Baptist Association in Missis- 
sippi. 



1 S4R Hopewell church, Franklin county, is the place 

of meeting from September 30th to October 
2nd. The Associational sermon is preached by J. D. McFarland* 
whose text is 2 Cor. 5:20. Elders Ham McKnight and A. Mc- 
Kenzie are appointed reading clerks, this being the first time 
the readers of the letters are thus designated. The former offi- 
cers are re-elected, viz. : Zachariah Reeves moderator and G. P. 
Claughton clerk: the treasurer holding office for an indefinite 
time. 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 69 

Elders Jesse Crawford and William Fortinberry were present 
from the Pearl River Association, notwithstanding the perpen- 
dicular hills of Franklin county, and 'die quicksands of the 
Homochitto. The regularity with which these preachers, as well 
as others, attended the Associational meetings, sometimes travel- 
ing across two or three counties and facing difficulties and dan- 
gers, is little short of marvelous; and it shows that they were 
thoroughly in earnest in the cause of Jesus Christ. 

The re-publication of the Minutes in book form under the su- 
pervision of Thomas M. Bond, was reported to be in type, and 
the Association earnestly recommended the churches and frienas 
generally, to buy the book that there might be no pecuniary Loss. 

This query was received from New Providence church: "Is 
it according to gospel order to receive members from the Camp- 
bellites without re-baptism?" It was deemed improper to an- 
swer the query in the form in which it was presented, but in or- 
der that the Association's position might be definitely known, 
the following resolution was adopted : 

"Resolved, That this Association deems it unscriptural for a 
church to receive a person as a member from the Campbellites, 
Reformers, or any other denomination without baptism. ' ' 

Concerning the difference between this and the Mississippi 
River Association, the following report was made by Zachariah 
Reeves, T. M. Bond, Wilson Clark and G. P. Claughton: "The 
undersigned persons, appointed delegates by your body in ses- 
sion last year, to meet in convention with the Pearl River, Mis- 
sissippi River and Eastern Louisiana Associations, for the pur- 
pose of settling the difficulties existing between this and the Mis- 
sissippi River, beg leave to report that we performed the services 
assigned us, and that, after a full and free investigation and 
explanation, the difficulty was fully and satisfactorily settled so 
far as we are concerned." 

The doctrine at issue is still not stated, nor is it intimated 
that the Mississippi River Association had made any change in 
her articles of faith. The phrase, "full and free investigation 
and explanation," seems to indicate that the difference, what- 
ever it may have been, was one of form or terms, rather than a 
serious doctrinal deviation. 

The long silence on the subject of missions is broken this year 
as follows: "Whereas, this Association does not transact mis- 
sionary business, therefore, Resolved, That we recommend to the- 



70 ABSTEACT HISTORY OF THE 

favorable attention of the churches, the Missionary Society in its 
bounds, as affording a facility through which they may carry out 
their benevolent designs on that subject." 

A resolution of thanks for generous hospitality was passed, 
which is the first of the kind to appear. 

Another watchman on the walls of Zion whose name has be- 
come familiar has laid aside his armor and entered into rest. 
The following is from the obituary adopted at this meeting: "It 
is with feelings of deep sorrow that this Association has been in- 
formed of the death of our beloved brother. Elder Jesse Young, 
lately deceased, who departed this life since the last meeting of 
this body, on the 28th day of May last. Our deceased brother 
was a native of South Carolina and emigrated to this State in 
1811 ; professed a hope in the Lord and Savior and was baptized 
in the year 1812 ; was ordained a minister of the gospel on the 
15th day of August, 1827, at Mars Hill church, in the county of 
Amite, in this State. He served as a private in the war of 1812, 
and distinguished himself among that glorious band of patriots 
who periled their lives in defense of our beloved country. As a 
minister of the blessed gospel of the Savior. Bro. ^oung was re- 
markable for his zeal and activity. His labors as such were in- 
defatigable and greatly blessed. As one of the pioneers of the 
gospel, he was greatly instrumental in promoting the Redeemer's 
Kingdom in the southern portion of this State, and in the desti- 
tute sections of Louisiana. L T nder various circumstances, in heat 
and cold, sunshine and rain, he proclaimed the truth of the gos- 
pel to a perishing world, and ceased only from his labors when he 
was called away to reap the reward of the righteous, an inherit- 
ance among the saints. The deceased was a prominent member 
and promoter of the various religious and benevolent institu- 
tions established by our denomination, and was, emphatically, a 
living exponent of missionary principles." 



1 $4Q ^^ e Association met this year with the Bogue 

Chitto church, Pike county, October 6th, 7th 
and 8th. Alexander McKenzie preached the sermon from Acts, 
15 :2. Twenty-four churches were represented, and the body was 
organized by re-electing the eld officers. 

Correspondence was received from the Pearl River, Mississippi 
River and Eastern Louisiana Associations, and the committee on 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 71 

devotional exercises reported that Elders Fortinberry, Clark and 
Crawford would preach on the Lord's day. 

The body adopted a resolution of gratitude to God for His 
distinguishing mercy, for general good health and uninterrupted 
peace, and for the fact that foreign ports were being opened, and 
the missionaries were entering heathen cities with the Word of 
God. It was also further resolved that "we earnestly recom- 
mend to our churches and all Christians this indication of Divine 
Providence, as a suitable time for them to unite in their prayers 
and contributions for the foreign missionary operations, to aid in 
the great work of giving the gospel to the heathen, and for all 
other efforts for its spread at home as well as abroad. ' ' 

We receive this year our first introduction to M. S. Shirk, of 
whom we shall hear more in the coming years. 



1 8^0 ^ n ^ e ^ n °^ October the Association met 

with Zion Hill Church, Amite county. Ham 
McKnight preached the introductory sermon from Psalm 87:2. 
Twenty-three churches responded to the roll call, with letters 
and delegates, and the body was organized by the re-election of 
Reeves and Claughton as moderator and clerk respectively, while 
Thomas R. Cheatham still held the office of treasurer. 

The great missionary, Adoniram Judson, had recently passed 
away and the body adopted the following preamble and resolu- 
tions on his life and character : 

"Whereas, God has seen proper to remove by death our be- 
loved brother, Adoniram Judson, late a missionary of our denom- 
ination to the heathen, from the scenes of his earthly labors and 
trials to the glorious rest that remaineth for the people of God; 
and whereas, this Association is desirous of making an expres- 
sion of the feelings occasioned by. this melancholy event, and as 
a token of our veneration for the character and appreciation of 
the labors and services of our deceased brother, Therefore be it 
resolved, That this Association has heard with profound sorrow 
the intelligence of the demise of Elder A. Judson. 

t( 'Resolved, That, in our estimation, the character of Bro. A. 
Judson was that of a devoted Christian, a faithful servant and a 
good minister of Jesus Christ. 

"Resolved. That the labors of Bro. Judson as a missionary 
to the heathen, the sacrifices and privations endured by him to 



72 ABSTKACT HISTORY OF THE 

promote the Redeemer's Kingdom upon heathen shores, render 
his memory precious as one of the most illustrious benefactors 
of the human race. 

"Resolved, That the blessings of God which have attended the 
labors of our missionaries to the heathen, and especially the 
labors of our deceased brother, indicate to us that the missionary 
cause is a cause approved of God." 

An item of much interest this year is a historical sketch of 
the churches composing the Association, from which the follow- 
ing extracts are taken : 

New Providence.— This church was constituted on the 27th 
day of July, 1805, with twelve members, two of whom were still 
living at this time. Elders Richard Curtis and Thomas Mercer 
assisted in the constitution. The church had been blessed with 
a number of revivals of religion, in which large accessions were 
made to its membership. Thomas Mercer was the first pastor. 
Others following were Ezra Courtney, Samuel Marsh, H. Hum- 
ble, Chas. Felder and Thomas M. Bond. The pastor at this time 
was Alexander McKenzie, and the membership numbered 110. 

Ebenezer.— Constituted May 9, 1806, with eleven members, 
Elders Curtis and Mercer assisting. For a period of six years 
the church had no record of its proceedings. Ezra Courtney, 
Samuel Marsh and Asa Mercer served the church for many 
years. Jesse Young and Thomas M. Bond were also among the 
early pastors. At this time Alexander McKenzie was preaching 
for the congregation and the membership numbered 77. 

East Fork.— Constituted at the home of James Chandler, on 
the 3rd Sunday in September, 1810, Thomas Mercer and Ezra 
Courtney being the presbytery. Twelve persons went into the 
constitution. In 1812 the church built a meeting house, which 
was called East Fork church. William Denman, J. Nettles and 
Chas. Felder were the first pastors, the latter serving twenty- 
four years. In 1812 this church licensed Samuel J. Boyd, and 
in 1835 licensed and ordained Thomas M. Bond. At this time, 
1850, Zachariah Reeves was pastor and the church numbered 78. 

Zion Hill,.— This church was constituted June 11, 1811, by 
Ezra Courtney and Thomas Mercer. Sixteen members went into 
the organization, two of whom were still living. The first pastor 
was Thomas Mercer. Others following were John Lee, Chas. 
Felder, Asa Mercer, W. Clark and Jesse Young. Quite a num- 
ber of preachers came from this church, viz: J. Nettles, Geo. 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 73 

King, Asa Mercer, J. Cain, Moses Seal and Thomas Meredith. 
The pastor at this time was Zachariah Reeves, and the number of 
members was 55. 

Galilee.— Constituted August 14, 1824, with eleven members, 
the presbytery being composed of Joseph Slocumb and William 
H. Erwin. For a number of years this church had no preaching 
and met but seldom. Later, however, she had some great re- 
vivals, one in 1848, in which eighty-eight persons were added to 
the membership. The pastors serving since the constitution were 
Joseph Slocumb, Chas. Felder, H. D. F. Roberts, Davis Collins, 
M. Barlow and T. M. Bond. Mr. McKenzie w T as then in charge 
and the number enrolled was 123. 

Hopewell.— Date of organization, October 20, 1813, with 
fourteen members, Elders H. Wall and Isham Nettles assisting. 
The early preachers were John Lee, Asa Mercer, Jesse Young 
and Shadrach Coker. The church numbered thirty-four, and 
William Mullins was the bishop. 

Mars Hill.— Constituted on the first Lord's day in June, 
1815, with nine members. Thomas Mercer and Henry Humble 
composed the presbytery. Humble, Mercer, Felder, Cain, Young" 
and Clark had served as pastors. The number of members was 
28. Elders Young and Clark were sent out by this church. The 
spiritual overseer at this time was Shadrach Coker. 

Salem.— This body was organized through the efforts of Chas. 
Felder, August 19, 1826, with nineteen members, at the home of 
-John Dickinson, on Little Tangipahoa, spelled " Tanchipaho." 
Since the organization the preachers had been James Cain, Chas. 
Felder, Willis Magee, Zachariah Reeves, W. L. Sibley and T. M. 
Bond. They had 47 members and Calvin Magee was the bishop 
in charge. The delegates this year, 1850, were B. Carter and F. 
Allen. This is the Salem which was later moved to Magnolia. 

Friendship, Pike County.— Date of constitution is wanting. 
Shadrach Coker * had served most of the time very acceptably, 
and they had sent out Zachariah Reeves to preach the gospel. 
W. Clark was then in charge, and they reported a declining 
condition, with thirteen members. 

Ramah.— 'Constituted with six members, but date is wanting. 
The early pastors were Elders Coker, Garlington and Young. 
Mr. Clark was then in charge, and they had 13 members. 

Jackson, La. — This church was constituted June 27, 1835, 
with thirteen members, the presbytery being composed of Elders 
(6) 



74 ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 

Courtney, Young, Felder and Roberts. Since its organization 
the church had received by letter and baptism 166 persons, and 
had sent out A. J. Spencer to preach, who was then reported as 
being a useful minister in Western Louisiana. Henry D. F. 
Roberts was then the pastor and the church had a membership 
of 93. 

Mount Pleasant.— Constituted by Zachariah Reeves and 
Jesse Young, November 28, 1837, with twenty-two members. Mr. 
Reeves had been the bishop since the date of organization, now 
thirteen years, and they reported forty-one members. 

Liberty.— Constituted April 14, 1838, by Elders C. Felder, Z. 
Reeves, J. Young, T. M. Bond and A. W. Pool. In 1843, in con- 
sequence of the articles of faith upon which the church was 
constituted, being lost, the church adopted articles which gave 
dissatisfaction, and the same were subsequently changed. Chas. 
Felder and H. D. F. Roberts were the first pastors. Hamilton 
McKnight was ordained here in 1844, and was the pastor in 
charge at this time. Membership, 125. 

Mount Zion, Franklin County. — Constituted on the 22nd of 
January, 1820, with seventeen members. Since the organiza- 
tion 76 persons had been received by experience and on letters. 
Roland Wilkinson was the preacher in charge and the member- 
ship numbered 23. 

Spring Hill.— Constituted on the 13th of September, 1842, 
with eleven members. Elders Young, Reeves and McKenzie had 
served as pastors. The number of members was 22. 

Mount Zion, Copiah C 'aunty. — D ate of organization, 1823, 
with fifteen members. James Bailey, William Martin, M. T. 
Conn and S. B. Mullins had served as undershepherds, Mr. Mar- 
tin having been ordained here about 1830. The number of mem- 
bers was 40. 

Bogue Chitto.— 'Date of constitution, July 4, 1812, with ten 
members. Since the organization, William Denman, Geo. King, 
William Cooper, Shadrach King and Shadrach Coker had occu- 
pied the pulpit as pastors. Zachariah Reeves was bishop at this 
time, under whose labors the church had greatly increased. One 
minister, Elder J. Webb, had been sent out. The enrollment 
of membership was 82. 

Mount Moriah.— Constituted March 4, 1821, with seven mem- 
hers, Elders J. B. Hart and Absalom Harper composing the pres- 
bytery. S. Coker was pastor and they had 34 members. 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 75 

Sarepta. — This church was constituted with five members, but 
date is wanting. It was in the early days of the Association, 
however, as David Cooper was present. The first pastors were 
L. Scarborough, J. Burch, J. T. Fairchilds and T. Spragging. 
Moses Seal was then in charge and they had a membership of 19. 

Pierce's Creek.— Constituted October 13, 1813. Since 1841, 
fifty-two members had been received by baptism. M. W. Crest- 
man was then bishop, and the number of members was 52. 

Mount Olive.— Constituted September 26, 1847, with four- 
teen members, by Elders Reeves, Young, Wilkinson and Seal. 
The church had enjoyed the labors of Moses Seal until 1850, 
when Elder E. Wilkinson was called. Membership reported, 16. 



1 QR1 The place of meeting this year was Mars Hill, 

and the time October 4th to 6th. The same 
officers were retained. Elders Calvin Magee, A. McKenzie and 
S.. J. Caldwell preached on the Sabbath, the latter coming as a 
corresponding messenger from the Baptist State Convention. 
W. B. Wall was a visitor from the Mississippi River Association, 
and William Fortinberry from the Pearl River. 

Thomas R. Cheatham tendered his resignation as treasurer, 
and R. J. Causey was elected to the place. And a vote of thanks 
was given Mr. Cheatham for his faithful services. 

The Association had learned that tbe citizens of Clinton, Miss., 
had tendered the property of Mississippi College to the Baptist 
denomination free of all cost, only requiring that a literary in- 
stitution should be maintained in the town of Clinton. This 
i property had been received and new trustees appointed. It was 
accordingly "Resolved, That we recommend Mississippi College 
to the patronage and support of our denomination. ' ' 

It was agreed to open correspondence with the Baptist State 
Convention and Elder H. D. F. Roberts was named as the mes- 
senger to the next meeting. 



1 8S2 The k° dy met witn Mt - Zion church, Copiah 

county, October 2d, 3d and 4th. The open- 
ing sermon was preached by Alexander McKenzie from the text, 
"Ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once de- 
livered unto the saints." The old officers were continued and 



76 ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 

one new church, Macedonia, Copiah county, was received, the 
delegates being William East and William Ellzey. 

Eiders William Fortinberry and Samuel B. Mullen came 
from the Pearl River Association, W. F. Green and A. R. Luni 
from the Union, and J. P. Martin and Norvell Robertson, Jr., 
from the Ebenezer. This is our first time to meet with Mr. Rob- 
ertson, who was later the author of "Hand-book of Theology.' ' 
The Lord's day services were held in a grove, the congregation 
assembling at an early hour. Norvell Robertson preached first, 
his text being I John, 4 : 10; J. P. Martin followed from Gala- 
tians, 4: 4-6. An intermission of thirty minutes was given for 
refreshments, after which W. F. Green preached from John, 
18: 36, "My kingdom is not of this world." M. W. Crestman 
closed, selecting Acts, 17 : 30. When it is remembered that addi- 
tional appointments were made for Saturday and Monday, some 
idea may be had of the amount of preaching done at these Asso- 
ciational meetings. 

The "Western Recorder" and "Tennessee Baptist'* were 
warmly recommended, and the new "Baptist College" at Clin- 
ton, Miss., again received favorable mention. The Association 
also appeared to be returning to her old-time zeal in the cause 
of missions, both Home and Foreign. Strong resolutions were 
adopted, urging the churches to consider the sad needs of the 
heathen nations and calling on the pastors to take collections. 

Two more ministers had passed away since the last meeting, 
viz : Moses Seal and Adam Cloy, the latter having been but re- 
cently ordained. They had finished their work and had gone to 
join the saints on the other side. And another name with which 
we have become familiar, and which we have often heard for 
nearly fifty years of the Association's history, suddenly disap- 
pears from the minutes with no mention of death or removal. 
It is that of the venerable Ezra Courtney, who, as we have seen, 
was in the organization of the body at old Salem in 1806, and 
who for a number of years was the Moderator. He served on 
important committees, wrote "circular letters," and was often 
appointed to preach. He also stood faithfully by the old doc- 
trines during the stormy days of ' ' Campbellism. ' ' 

The "Baptist Encyclopedia," page 282, has this brief note on 
the life of Mr. Courtney: "Rev. Ezra Courtney, a pioneer 
preacher in Louisiana, was born in Pennsylvania in 1771. Liv- 
ing in Mississippi, he preached as early as 1804 in Eastern Louis- 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 77 

iana, then West Florida and under Spanish rule; he settled in 
East Feliciana parish in 1814. He was an efficient and popular 
preacher, and was often elected Moderator of the Mississippi 
Association and other bodies of which he was a member; and he 
continued his labors until disabled by age. He died in 1855." 

It will be recalled that Mr. Courtney once had some trouble 
with Hepzibah and Ebenezer churches, and was excluded from 
the former. Later, however, he came as an accredited messenger 
and was recognized in the Association. It seems a mournful 
ending of a long life that no mention is made of his departure. 



1 Q^Q New Providence, Amite county, is the place of 

meeting this year, and the time October 1st, 
2d and 3d. Moderator Keeves delivers the introductory sermon, 
taking Isaiah, 2:2, as his text. The usual churches are repre- 
sented, and two others are received— viz., St. Helena and Bethel, 
in Louisiana. Samuel Davis and M. H. McCraine came from the 
former and Thomas M. Bond from the latter. Mr. Bond had 
removed to Louisiana some time before, as he had been a cor- 
responding messenger from the Mississippi River Association. 

Zachariah Reeves was continued as moderator, while G. P. 
Claughton, who had served nine years as clerk, asked to be re- 
lieved, and C. C. Cain was elected to the place. William For- 
tinberry and W. C. Maxwell came from the Pearl River Asso- 
ciation ; William and Lemuel Wall from the Mississippi River, 
and D. M. Chaney and A. Pennington from the Eastern 
Louisiana. 

A large committee was appointed to investigate a difficulty 
between Zion Hill and Mount Olive churches, the latter being 
in Franklin county, and, therefore, not the present Mount Olive 
in Amite county. 

A memorial was received from the Board of Trustees of the 
Amite Female Seminary, lately established at Liberty, Miss., 
and was referred to a committee. The following extract is taken 
from their report : 

"The establishment of the proposed Female Seminary is, in 
the opinion of your committee, a worthy and desirable object, 
and one worthy of approbation and support; that the necessity 
of an institution for the education of our daughters in this 
section of our country is greatly felt, while the advantages 



78 ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 

which would result from the establishment of such an institu- 
tion cannot well be estimated. ' ' 

The Association agreed to appoint trustees every three years, 
such trustees to be members of regular Baptist churches. This 
was the school founded by Elder M. S. Shirk, and which had a 
successful career until broken up by the war between the States. 

Resolutions were adopted recommending that family prayer 
be maintained; that Sunday schools and Bible classes be organ- 
ized in the churches, and also that the constitution of the Asso- 
ciation should be so amended as to give the moderator the right 
to call a meeting of the bcdy in case of a failure at any regular 
time of meeting. 

Alexander McKenzie had accepted an agency in the Indian 
Mission Association, and was to enter shortly upon his duties. 
He was cordially recommended to the Christian sympathies and 
fraternal kindness of Baptists in the adjoining States, or 
wherever he might travel. And it was 

"Resolved, That our sympathies and prayers go with him, 
that God may own and bless his labors, and give him grace and 
abundant success in the great and good cause in which he is en- 
gaged." 

J. B. Quin was treasurer of the missionary fund, and he re- 
ported receipts of $96. 

The ministers belonging to the Association at this time were 
fourteen in number, as follows: Shadrach Coker, Zachariah 
Reeves. Hamilton McKnight, Wilson Clark. Alexander McKen- 
zie, Calvin Magee, M. S. Shirk, J. H. Smiley, Wm. Thompson, 
T. M. Bond, Elihu McCaa, T. Kinssberry, Wm. East and F. 
Clark. 



1 R^S4 ^is mee ^ m S was held w ^h Sarepta church, 

fourteen miles north of Meadville, in Frank- 
lin county, embracing September 30th to October 2d. Calvin 
Magee and Ham McKnight, appointee and alternate, both being 
absent, F. Clark preached the opening sermon from John, 5 : 39. 
The same officers were retained, and Elders Reeves, Clark and 
Bond were selected for the Lord's day services. 

William Fortinberry was present again from the Pearl River 
Association, while William Mullens and J. Scott came from the 
Union, and G. Mullens from the Eastern Louisiana. 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 79 

R. J. Causey resigned the office of treasurer, and James A. 
Jenkins was elected to the position. 

The evil growing out of the use of intoxicating drinks was 
pronounced by the Association to be a crying sin, and all mem- 
bers were urgently requested to do all in their power to sup- 
press the same. 

The committee appointed last year to investigate the trouble 
between Zion Hill and Mount Olive churches submitted a 
lengthy report. The point of difference between these two 
churches was this : Zion Hill charged Mount Olive with having 
retained as their pastor Elder Rowland Wilkinson, who had 
been excluded' from fellowship by the church at Zion Hill. 
Whereupon Mount Olive replied, "We deny the above charge 
on Gospel Order." Zion Hill church then submitted the fol- 
lowing testimony in support of the charge: On the 18th of De- 
cember, 1852, Elder Rowland Wilkinson offered this resolution 
to the Zion Hill church, of which he was at this time a mem- 
ber: "As there are so many institutions of men called benevo- 
lent institutions, and this church believing it to be her duty to 
provide for the peace and harmony of her members, she, there- 
fore, declares nonfellowship with all the unscriptural instito 
tions of the day, such as theological schools, State conventions,, 
missionary societies, Bible societies, tract societies, temperance- 
societies, and all their kindred relations, holding them to be un- 
scriptural. ' ' This resolution was voted down by Zion Hill church r 
and Mr. Wilkinson was called on to say whether he would abide 
by the decision. He requested time in which to reply, and on 
the 19th of March, 1853, submitted his answer to the church, 
in writing, at considerable length, the document occupying two 
and a half pages of the associational minutes. In this lengthy 
reply Mr. Wilkinson claimed that Baptist churches and minis- 
ters, with whom he had affiliated for twenty-seven years, had 
largely departed from the faith of the gospel and were going 
after human institutions. He strenuously opposed conventions, 
associations, councils, ministerial conferences, etc., as being 
purely of human origin and invention. He was equally opposed 
to the literary honors of a college or the diploma of a theological 
seminary. And he formally declared his intention of withdraw- 
ing from the Baptist denomination as then known and under- 
stood. He finally says: "In withdrawing from a denomination 
with which my earliest religious associations and sympathies 



80 ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 

have been so long and intimately connected, and formally sepa- 
rating myself from the communion and fellowship of those 
among that people with whom I have so often taken sweet coun- 
sel together, and whom I must esteem as the honored servants 
of the cross and partakers of the common salvation, I feel it to 
be one of the most painful and self-denying acts of my life thus 
to sever a relationship which was once so tender and endearing. 
It is not, however, because I love them less, but, as I humbly 
trust, it is because of the attachment which I entertain towards 
the institutions, ordinances and truth of Him who alone is King 
in Zion. ,, ♦ 

On receiving this reply from Mr. Wilkinson, Zion Hill church 
decided to invite a council of ministers and others to meet with 
them in conference to examine further into the matter and 
make a decision thereon. Accordingly, on the 16th of April, 
1853, Elders Clark, McKenzie and McKnight, together with 
members from Galilee, New Providence, Liberty, East Fork, 
Mars Hill, Ramah, Mount Zion and Mount Olive churches, met 
with Zion Hill, and were constituted into a committee or coun- 
cil. W. Clark was the chairman and G. P. Claughton the sec- 
retary. The decision of this Council was in favor of Zion Hill 
church, declaring her course in the matter to be proper and 
scriptural. Elder Rowland Wilkinson was then promptly ex- 
cluded from the fellowship of this church. The committee fur- 
ther reported to the Association that they had labored to point 
out the error, and to effect, if possible, a reconciliation between 
the churches, but had failed to do so. 

On hearing this extended report, which altogether occupies 
six pages of the minutes, the old "Mississippi" wlier eased and 
resolved in the following fashion : 

"Whereas, we have evidence before us that the Mount Olive 
church has continued in her fellowship, as her pastor, one Row- 
land Wilkinson, whom she knew to have been excluded from the 
Zion Hill church since April, 1853 ; and, 

"Whereas, we have received from her, whilst she was under 
the censure of her sister church for the same, an abusive and 
insulting letter, casting censure and reproach upon this Asso- 
ciation and the Baptist denomination generally, and attempting 
to withdraw from our Union: therefore, be it 

"Resolved, That we look upon such conduct as highly dis- 
orderly, and we hereby withdraw our Union and fellowship from 
said church.' ' 

So ends the chapter. 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 81 

1 XS^ Ebenezer church entertains the meeting of the 

Association this year, beginning October 6th. 
F. Clark preaches the first sermon, taking Exodus, 9 :20, 21, as 
his text. Letters from twenty-four churches are read by J. B. 
Quin and Geo. F. Webb, the reading clerks. Zachariah Reeves is 
continued in the moderator's chair, while Lewis Perkins. does the 
writing. Shady Grove and Fort Adams churches ask for admis- 
sion, and are received, W. McCullough and E. Hodges coming 
from the former and N. Boren from the latter. 

The Association heartily indorsed the views and doctrines con- 
tained in J. M. Pendleton's tract, "Old Landmarks Reset"; and 
a committee was formed, to be known as the "Trust Commit- 
tee," composed of W. F. Cain, W. Z. Lea and C. J. Bates, who 
should receive communications from the churches relative to 
furnishing denominational books. 

A set of resolutions was adopted complimentary to and in- 
dorsing the Female Seminary at Liberty, presided over by that 
scholarly preacher, Milton S. Shirk. It was decided that a 
Board of Visitors, consisting of nine members, should be ap- 
pointed annually, whose duty it was to visit the school, attend 
the commencement exercises, etc., and make report to the Asso- 
ciation. 

It will now be in order to begin the biographical sketches of 
ministers and prominent laymen who were active in their labors 
in the churches and in the councils of the Association. 

Lewis Perkins. 

This faithful layman was born in East Feliciana parish, La., 
January 26, 1806, and was reared principally in Amite county, 
Miss. He was married to Miss Jennette Brown in 1831. In 
1845 he united with Ebenezer church, and was ordained to the 
deaconship in 1848. This position he filled with efficiency, be- 
ing kind and forgiving to the penitent, but firm and uncompro- 
mising in opposing willful sin. As a parent, citizen and Chris- 
tian, these characteristics were prominent in his life. He was 
held in high esteem, and his opinions and advice were much 
sought. Even yet his opinions are often quoted by those who 
knew him. Mr. Perkins co-operated cheerfully with his pastors 
and allowed nothing derogatory to them to be spoken in his 
presence. He was often in the meetings of the Association, 
served on important committees, and was clerk two years. He 



82 



ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 



lived to see the close of the Civil War, dying April 25, 1865,. 
just as the smoke of the last battles was clearing away and the 
weary soldiers were returning to their homes. 




JAMES A. JENKINS. 



The following sketch is taken from an obituary written by 
Geo. F.Webb: • 

" James A. Jenkins had long been a prominent citizen of his 
native county. He was born May 27, 1819, and died March 4, 
1896. Between these dates he spent the activities of his long 
life, and witnessed the upheaval of events now historical. 
Though not excitable by nature, nor very demonstrative as a 
participant in the great crisis through which he was passing, 
yet he was by no means an indifferent observer of what was 
passing in review before him. and at all times was in sympathy 
with the masses of the people in their patriotic struggle for the 
great measures that they thought to be right. * * * 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 83 

"His private character as a citizen was without blemish; he 
was a zealous and consistent Christian gentleman, and from 
youth to old age a member of the Baptist church, taking an 
active part in the religious work of his day. He was often a 
delegate to the Association and Sabbath school conventions, and 
was ever a prominent worker in such bodies. * * * 

"In the death of James A. Jenkins another good man has 
passed away. He had long been a familiar personage in our 
midst, but he is gone and his face we shall see no more in the 
walks of life, from which he has just retired to his home, 'where 
the wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at rest.' " 

Mr. Jenkins was treasurer of the Association from 1854 to 
1870. inclusive, making a period of seventeen years. This in- 
cluded the dark days of the Civil War and the troublous times 
of reconstruction. Zachariah Reeves was moderator all of this 
time, except three years. Both these worthy servants closed 
their official career with the Mississippi Association in 1870. 



1 R^fi "^ as * ^ or ^' near by ^ e r °Ui n g waters of the 

river Amite, and situated on a rocky bluff 
overlooking the valley, is where the saints gather this year for 
worship and consultation. M. S. Shirk preaches from Philip- 
pians, 1 :9, and twenty-six churches answer by letters and dele- 
gates. Uncle Zach Keeves still has the oversight of deliberations* 
while Deacon Lewis Perkins keeps the records. Holmesville 
church. Pike county, is received, the delegates being D. H. Quin 
and P. B. Williams. 

The correspondence from other bodies was as follows: From 
the Pearl River Association, William Fortinberry and Calvin 
Magee; from the Union, J. H. Clark; from the Eastern Louisi- 
ana, William B. Allen; and from the Ebenezer, M. B. Robert- 
son. Preachers for the Sabbath were F. Clark, M. S. Shirk, 
Calvin Magee and T. Kingsberry. 

The Trust Committee appointed last year reported that they 
had bought and sold denominational books on their own account 
to the amount of $132, and the Committee was continued. 

The Board of Visitors appointed to visit the Amite Female 
Seminary made a nattering report, saying that, in their judg- 
ment, too high a commendation could not be awarded Mr. Shirk 
and his teachers. 



84 ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 



Affectionate mention is made of the deaths of Deacons Isaiah 
Cain and Rowland Thompson, the former of Zion Hill church 
and the latter of New Providence, these brethren having been 
faithful in their Christian lives. 

Thomas R. Cheatham. 

Thomas R. Cheatham, a deacon of New Providence church, 
died July 7, 1856, aged sixty-nine years. For many years suc- 
cessively he was a delegate to this body, and always took a deep 
interest, as he bore an active part in its proceedings. To admit 
that he had faults is but to acknowledge he was human. But, 
if he had what all others have, it may also be said that he had 
what all others have not— virtue enough to overbalance them. 
Ever a stern advocate for the truth, he could not compromise 
with error in any form. Yet he- had a heart of tenderness and 
friendship for all who merited and sought it, and his benevo- 
lence was unlimited by the boundaries of sect. He loved the 
cause of Christ, and was ever ready to labor for the advance- 
ment of evangelical Christianity. 

Mr. Cheatham served as associational treasurer seven years, 
was frequently on committees, and faithful in the work of the 
body. 

Thomas M. Bond. 

"Thomas M. Bond departed this life October 7, 1855. In the 
decease of this able, devoted, laborious and talented minister of 
the gospel our churches have sustained no ordinary loss. For 
years we have been accustomed to look to him as one of the pil- 
lars of Baptist principles in our extended regions, and we deeply 
lament his loss, yet not without the consoling reflection that, 
though lost to the church on earth, he lives, a spirit, in glory. 

"Brother Bond was born in the State of Georgia, March 25, 
1810. When quite a child his father, Henry Bond, emigrated to 
the State of Mississippi, Pike county. He professed religion at 
the age of seventeen years, and was baptized into the fellowship 
of Salem Baptist church. In his eighteenth year he was united 
in marriage with Rebecca FeHer, a daughter of Rev. Chas. Fet- 
der. At the age of twenty he was licensed to preach the gospel, 
and was ordained to the full work of the ministry in 1836. From 
that period to the close of life he was identified with all the in- 
terests of his denomination in this portion of our country. Dur- 
ing the twenty years of his ministry, though often in feeble 






MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 85 

health, he labored most efficiently for God, and Heaven sealed 
with approbation the word spoken to the conversion of more 
than two thousand souls, whom he was permitted to bury with 
his Lord in baptism. The character of his mind was acute, in- 
vestigating and discriminative to an extraordinary degree for 
one of his scholastic discipline. Rarely did he close a sermon 
without exhibiting, by the fervor of his manner and the tone of 
his voice, that his soul was interested for the -salvation of sin- 
ners. His heart was with his brethren in every good word and 
work. ' ' 

Mr. Bond died, it is said, from yellow fever, and at this time, 
October 7, 1855, the Association was in session at Ebenezer. The 
reader has become familiar with the name of Thomas M. Bond, 
who will long live in history for h's wcrks' sake. 

James B. Quin. 

James B. Quin was born in South Carolina, September 4, 1810. 
When he was eight years old his parents came to Pike county 
and settled just south of where McComb City now is. When 
the Illinois Central Railroad was built, it came near or through 
Mr. Quin's farm, and the place was known as "Quin's Station." 

Mr. Quin received his education in the country schools, and 
was married to Miss Narcissa E. Smith on November 15, 1838. 
Ten children were born to them, seven of whom are yet living. 
He was for a time clerk in a store in Holmesville, then the 
courthouse town of Pike county, and later he conducted a mer- 
cantile business of his own. He was for a number of years Pro- 
bate Judge of his county, and also served two terms in the State 
Legislature, one in the lower house and one in the Senate. Hs 
was likewise a member of a Slate Constitutional Convention not 
long after the war. 

Mr. Quin united with Bogue Chitto Baptist church about the 
year 1850, and was baptized by Eller Zachariah Reeves. He 
served both as clerk and deacon of this church. Later he moved 
his membership to Summit, his home being now east of Bogue 
Chitto river. He donated the land on which to erect the Bap- 
tist church at Summit, and was a large contributor in building 
the house of worship. He contributed liberally to Mississippi 
College, and was for a time one of the college trustees. He was 
prominent in the affairs of church and State, and was faithful 
in his day and generation. 



86 



ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 



Mr. Quin was one of the treasurers of the Mississippi Asso- 
ciation for sixteen years, his term expiring in 1869. His family- 
Bible, published in London in 1826, is kept by his eldest son, 
John H. Quin. His death occurred November 8, 1871, interment 
following at Summit, Miss. Such men as Reeves, Jenkins, Webb, 
Claughton, McKnight and Graves were his colaborers. 




ZACHARIAH REEVES. 



■ The following extracts are taken from a lengthy biographical 
sketch written by Elder C. H. Oiken and published in the min- 
utes of 1874 : 

Zachariah Reeves was born in Richland district, South Caro- 
lina, October 31, 1799. # * * Early in 1811 his parents re- 
moved from South Carolina, and during the month of Febru- 
ary of the same year they located in Pike county, Mississippi, 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 87 

then a territory. * * * He grew to manhood among the 
early scenes of hard work and joyous life, strong in the power 
of bodily endurance and vigorous in native thought of mind. 
Without this preparation it is questionable whether he could 
have ever performed the work in the ministry which his long 
and zealous labors among the churches of the Mississippi Baptist 
Association abundantly show. 

He married early in life. The partner of his choice was Miss 
Anna Wells, a young lady of respectable parents. They were 
Presbyterians. Some objections were raised by the parents of 
the young lady to the marriage. As, however, there was a mu- 
tual understanding between Mr. Reeves and Miss Wells, any ob- 
stacle thrown in the way of those who have privately plighted 
their troth would only strengthen their determination to con- 
summate their wishes. They soon found an opportunity to carry 
out their design. It was not long before all parties became 
reconciled. Mrs. Reeves was a pious woman. At this time Mr. 
Reeves was not a Christian. He was fond of worldly amuse- 
ments and enjoyed them with a zest. 

In 1823 he was hopefully converted, and in the month of June 
of this year he was baptized into the fellowship of Friendship 
Baptist church by Elder Absalom Harper. This church was 
•situated about six miles north of Summit, in Pike county. Prior 
to his conversion Mr. Reeves was deeply irreligious. He was 
exceedingly fond of gay associates, and the gatherings of young 
persons for the various amusements of the day. Frequently 
would he ride a dozen miles after the day's work to be present 
at a party, and yet lose no time from his work in the field next 
day. His conversion was genuine. It was not only a change of 
the intellect, but of his moral nature. His love of things had 
been transformed. WTiat was once irksome now became a de- 
light. There was a sure foundation for a better life. Nobler 
objects than those he once pursued inspired his renewed nature. 
The conference meeting of the church was to him a pleasure no 
less than a duty. He felt that he was a soldier in the sacra- 
mental hosts of God's people, and that it was his duty to be 
present in the drill and march and battles of that army which 
God had chosen for the subjugation of a hostile world, and the 
enlisting of that world under a new banner, and under a new 
commander, even Christ, the Captain of our salvation. * * * 

After a membership of nine years the church believed him 
called to do a great work in the Master's vineyard— to preach 



88 ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 

the unsearchable riches of Christ's gospel to earth's perishing' 
mortals. On the 7th day of April, 1832, he was, therefore, for- 
mally licensed to exercise his gifts. In seven months the church 
became satisfied that he should now be set apart to the full work 
of the gospel ministry— a presbytery was called for this pur- 
pose. On the 18th of November of this year the presbytery as- 
sembled in the Friendship Baptist meeting-house, when Bro. 
Zachariah Reeves, after being thoroughly examined, was set 
apart to his lifework as a minister of the gospel by the imposi- 
tion of hands, prayer, charge and presentation of the Bible. 
The ordaining council was composed of Elders Joel Harvey, 
Chas. Felder, Jesse Young/ Benjamin Garlington, Thomas D. 
Grante and Shadrach Coker. He had now entered the thirty- 
fourth year of his age, full of bodily strength and vigorous 
health. 

He soon took a prominent position among the ministers of 
that time. He was regarded by his brethren as a man of native 
powers of mind— one mighty in the Scriptures. After the death 
of the lamented Chas. Felder, Bro. Reeves was chosen moderator 
of the Mississippi Baptist Association in 1843, and for twenty- 
four years he was the beloved and revered presiding officer of 
the oldest Baptist Association in the State. * * * 

His labors in the ministry during thirty-nine years were full 
of zeal and self-denial. He was indeed instant in season and out 
of season. He was constantly pastor of four churches, and for 
years served as many as seven. He seldom spared himself. 
* * * In the latter part of his life, when an invalid wife 
required his attention, he seldom failed to be at his appoint- 
ments. * * * A.s to the matter of his preaching, salvation 
by grace was the great theme— Christ the Savior appeared in 
every sermon. He appeared before his congregations as one con- 
scious that the impenitent were spiritually diseased; that they 
were alienated from the life of God, and that there is but one 
remedy — namely, salvation through faith in Christ. His ideas 
upon these two central truths of the gospel were as clear as a 
sunbeam— man's helplessness and a willing and able Savior. 
Nor did he ever omit to enjoin obedience to all of Christ's com- 
mands upon the converted. If you love the Lord, he would say, 
you must keep His commandments. Obey Him, then, in the or- 
dinance of baptism. Follow Him into the Jordan. It is thought 
that he baptized from three to four thousand persons during 
his ministry. * * * 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 89 

He was a strict disciplinarian; was a strong believer in the 
purity of the churches. Those who would not walk according 
to the gospel had no interest in Christ's kingdom on earth, and 
the church should, therefore, withdraw fellowship from such. 
He was a landmark Baptist ; he did not believe in pulpit affilia- 
tion. He could not comprehend how a mixture of truth and er- 
ror could promote spiritual growth or subserve the cause of 
Christian union. * * * 

He was decidedly in favor of an educated ministry. He took 
a common-sense view upon this subject. The ax sharpened 
would do more and better execution than one not sharpened. 

* * * He stated many years ago to Elder E. C. Eager, who 
was then on a visit to South Mississippi as agent of Mississippi 
College, that "two worldly men proposed to educate him, pay his 
expenses through college. He was then married. His life- 
sorrow was that he had not embraced the opportunity. " * * * 

As a missionary Baptist, he believed that the church, being 
the "pillar and ground of the truth," and the "light of the 
world," owed to the world the gospel— that neither latitude nor 
longitude bounded this debt. "Go ye into all the world" meant 
every zone and clime of earth; that the soul of the Hottentot 
or the New Zealander or the European was alike precious in the 
sight of the Lord; that men everywhere stood in need of the 
gospel. * * * 

We come now to the close of his life. Amid all of his arduous 
labors and many privations he had experienced many sorrows, 
Often had he been called upon to pass through the deep waters 
of affliction. Dark clouds had often gathered over his home. 

* * * Six lovely flowers had ceased to bloom; six times he, 
and his beloved companion had followed the remains of their 
little ones to their last resting place. * * * At last, after 

an illness of — ■ years, his devoted wife was called hence on 

July 20, 1866, in the sixty-second year of her age. * * * He 
now felt that his own end was near at hand ; that his work was 
about finished. From this time he thus expressed himself to his 
brethren at every associational meeting. His house had been 
set in order— he was waiting for the summons. He was ready 
for the Master's call. After an illness of a few days at the 
house of a friend where he had been invited to celebrate the 
rites of matrimony, on the 23d of July, 1871, he fell asleep in 
Jesus. All who knew him felt that a good man in Israel had 
fallen. He was beloved bv all his brethren. His name is a 

(7) 



90 ABSTEACT HISTOEY OF THE 



household word of sweet remembrance in all the churches of 
South Mississippi. He is gone, the last save one of a noble line 
of pioneers who preached the blessed gospel of the Son of God 
in the southern portion of this State." 

Mr. Reeves was a man of remarkable fidelity and endurance, 
"We first meet with his name in 1833, when Friendship church 
was received into the Association. From this time until 1870, 
a period of thirty-eight years, he was absent from the meetings 
of the body only five times. Thus in thirty-eight Associational 
meetings he was present at thirty-three. And twenty-four years 
of this time he was the Moderator. He was evidently a man 
of great influence and power in his day. 



1ft ^7 The place of meeting this year was Liberty, 

embracing October 3d to 5th. Wilson Clark 
preached the introductory sermon from Psalms, 46:4. Geo. F. 
Webb and M. S. Shirk were the reading clerks. The number of 
churches represented was twenty-eight. Zachariah Reeves was 
retained as the presiding officer, while Geo. F. Webb kept the 
record of proceedings. Two new churches, Pioneer and Cold 
Spring, were received. 

Jesse Crawford and Calvin Magee were messengers from the 
Pearl River Association; A. Pennington from the Eastern Louisi- 
ana ; N. B. Robinson from the Ebenezer, and Thomas Adams, L. 
A. Duncan, A. W". Smith, J. R. Jackson, Henry Nabring and 
Elder Edwards from the Mississippi River. The name of L. A. 
Duncan is still familiar in many Baptist homes in Mississippi, 
as he has long been active through the religious papers and other- 
wise in this State. There was preaching during the meeting by 
Elders Crawford, Reeves, Morris and Clark. 

The amount of $109 was raised to assist in building a house 
of worship for a German Baptist church in New Orleans, and 
the "Mississippi Baptist," published at Jackson, was com- 
mended. 

The Board of Visitors to the Amite Female Seminary made 
a favorable report, and a uniform dress for the students, suited 
to the seasons, was recommended. 

Some time before this meeting Elder M. S. Shirk had preached 
a sermon at Ebenezer church on "Christ Is the Head of the 
Church,' ' from Ephesians, 5: 23, and the discourse had been 
published. In this sermon Mr. Shirk took strong .ground for 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 91 

believers' baptism by immersion, restricted communion and the 
independence of the churches. The positions taken by him were 
ably defended, and the sermon had evidently occasioned a good 
deal of public comment, especially among other denominations, 
as Elder John A. Smylie, pastor of the Presbyterian church at 
Liberty, reviewed this sermon in a pamphlet of some thirty- 
three pages. To this "review" Mr. Shirk published a "re- 
joinder," in which he still further defended his positions, 
quoting at length both from ancient history and the Scriptures. 
The Association requested a copy of this rejoinder, and, accord- 
ingly, on Monday, Mr. Shirk read both the sermon and his reply 
to Mr. Smylie, which the body indorsed and ordered published 
in the minutes, of which it was agreed to publish fifteen hun- 
dred copies. 



ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 




MILTON S. SHIRK. 



Milton S. Shirk was born in the State of Ohio, November 27, 
1818. He attended school at Oxford and Granville, in that 
State, and later he entered Madison University, New York, 
where he graduated in 1848 from both the literary and theo- 
logical departments. He was converted at the age of seventeen 
years, uniting with the church at Oxford. Ohio, of which his 
father, Elder Joseph Shirk, was pastor. 

On coming to Mississippi, after teaching school about one 
year, he attended the meeting of the Baptist State Convention 
at Grenada in 1845. He united by letter with the Preston Bap- 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 93. 

tist church, Yalabusha county, and was licensed to preach. He 
was recommended to itinerate for one year in the bounds of the 
Convention. God blessed the work, and during the year some 
four hundred and fifty persons were added to the different 
churches. He was ordained in 1846 at Columbus, Miss., during 
a meeting of the Mississippi Baptist Convention. Mr. Shirk was 
married three times— first, to Miss Eliza S. Washburn, and, 
after her death in 1871, to her youngest sister, Miss Emma H. 
Washburn, who died in 1886. In December, 1888, he was mar- 
ried to Miss Mary J. Jesse. He left no children. 

For a time he was president of the Pearl River Institute at 
Monticello, Miss., and after this he established the Amite Fe- 
male Seminary at Liberty, Miss., in 1853. This was continued 
with large and increasing patronage until broken up by the war, 
when his extensive college buildings, with their contents, were 
burned by the enemy. During all these years he had the pas- 
toral care of three to five churches, which he served monthly. 
He was for a time pastoral supply of the Coliseum Baptist 
church, New Orleans, resigning to accept the presidency of 
Shreveport University, in Louisiana. 

Mr. Shirk's last location was at Osyka, Miss., where he spent 
the remainder of his life, or something like twenty-five years. 
Here he taught school and was pastor of the Osyka Baptist 
church and a number of others in the country. He frequently 
preached from manuscript, and his sermons were models of 
good English and consecrated thought. He was a man of re- 
served manners and dignified bearing. 

In a life prolonged to nearly eighty years, and a ministry of 
more than fifty years, Mr. Shirk saw almost the entire Baptist 
ministry of the State changed. In his heart was embalmed the 
memory of W. H. Holcombe, W. Carey Crane, S. S. Parr, S. S. 
Lattimore, H. B. Haywood and James C Hall, the giants of 
former days. Next to these came E. C. Eager and Henry Pit- 
man. Then the Middletons, Minters, Norvell Robertson, Wil- 
liam Mullins, Samuel Mullins, Thomas Bond, Samuel Bullock, 
Zachariah Reeves, Jesse Crawford, Ham McKnight, and others 
of more recent memory. 

The statistics of his ministry can only be given as he remem- 
bered them, as his memorandum book was lost during the war. 
The number of sermons preached may be given at 6,000 ; num- 
ber of baptisms, 2,000 ; number of marriages, 400 ; and the num- 
ber added to the churches in meetings where he labored, 600. 






94 ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 

After a pilgrimage of fourscore years, less a few days, lie 
died at his home in Osyka, October 31, 1898, and was buried in 
the town cemetery. Since Mr. Shirk's death his third wife 
has also passed away. 

George F. Webb. 

Geo. F. Webb was born January 8, 1818. He was a lawyer 
by profession, being admitted to the bar in 1840, and continued 
in the practice of law during his life. He was married Decem- 
ber 15, 1841, to Miss Louisa Harrell. In 1861 he joined the Con- 
federate army as a private, and was promoted to the rank of 
major in 1864. Later he represented his county in the State 
Legislature. Mr. Webb spent his long life at Liberty, Miss., 
having a spacious country home nearby. He served his church 
in the capacity of clerk, and was also Sunday school superin- 
tendent. He was seldom absent from his post of duty. He was 
a man of refined manners, and had a keen sense of appreciation 
of all that was good and uplifting. He wrote many reports for 
the Association al minutes, besides numerous obituaries and other 
public documents. And his writings are marked by the same 
polite, deferential spirit which he so uniformly exhibited in his 
life. He was clerk of the Association in 1857 and 1858, and 
again in 1871 and 1872. It was his to labor with such men as 
Chas. Felder, Zachariah Reeves, T. M. Bond, Ham McKnight, 
Lewis Perkins, W. Z. Lea, and others of faith and piety. His 
death occurred June 8, 1902, in the eighty-fifth year of his age. 



1 R^R ^^ e kody met this year with Mount Zion 

church, October 2d. M. S. Shirk preached 
the first sermon, his text being Daniel, 2:44. Twenty-seven 
churches were represented, and the organization was completed 
by the re-election of Zachariah Reeves and Geo. F. Webb, mod- 
erator and clerk, respectively. James A. Jenkins was still the 
treasurer. 

Elder William Fortinberry was present from the Pearl River 
Association, after an absence of several years. P. H. Harbour 
and John L. Simpson came from the Mississippi River, and N. 
B. Robinson from the Ebenezer. S. S. Relyea, M. S. Shirk and 
F. Clark were selected to do the preaching on the Lord's day, 
this being our first time to meet with Mr. Relyea in the Asso- 
ciation. 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 95 

A Sunday School Convention had been recently held in Nash- 
ville, Tenn., which had created considerable excitement in Bap- 
tist ranks, but on what point is not clearly stated. The Asso- 
ciation approved of the Convention's action, however, and ap- 
pointed five messengers to attend the next meeting at Memphis. 

The "Tennessee Baptist/' edited by Graves, Pendleton and 
Dayton, was warmly commended as a faithful exponent of Bap- 
tist principles. And the subjects of missions and ministerial 
education, also the Amite Female Seminary, all received due con- 
sideration. 

This year M. S. Shirk served New Providence, Ebenezer and 
Galilee churches; Zachariah Reeves had East Fork, Mars Hill 
Mount Zion and Bogue Chitto ; J. A. Wooten was pastor at Zion 
Hill and Ramah; William Mullins served Hopewell; Thomas 
Adams preached for Jackson, La., and Liberty. S. W. Bullock 
was bishop of Mount Pleasant, Friendship and Holmesville ; F. 
Clark preached for Spring Hill and Cold Spring; William East 
had Mount Zion, Copiah county, Sarepta and Macedonia ; W. H. 
Bailey had the care of Mount Moriah ; E. M. Tabor preached for 
Pierce's Creek and Bethel; Wilson Clark was pastor of Shady 
Grove, and T. Kingsberry served Fort Adams. 

Shadrach Cokek. 

Another preacher had finished his course and laid his armor 
by. It. was Shadrach Coker, of whom we have heard much in 
the past years. He was born in South Carolina, September 22, 
1782, and died November 23, 1856, and so was in his seventy- 
fifth year. He was ordained a preacher in 1816, and came to 
this country in 1821, preaching his first sermon here at Mars 
Hill church. He was called to serve this church, and continued 
in that relation for a number of years. He was for a time con- 
nected with the Pearl River Association, coming into this body 
in 1833, and continuing the remainder of his life. The com- 
mittee said: ''His labors were eminently successful in winning 
souls to Christ.' ' 



1 S^Q ^is y ear,s meeting was held with Galilee 

church, beginning October 8th. In the ab- 
sence of S. S. Relyea, the appointee, Zachariah Reeves preached 
the introductory sermon. The same moderator was continued, 
while Elder Ham McKnight was made clerk. Two new churches 



96 ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 

asked for admission— viz., Union and Damascus, both in Frank- 
lin county. W. Seale and J. F. Long came from the former, and 
C. L. Oliver and B. F. Freeman from the latter. 

New Providence church sent this query: "Is it according to 
gospel order for parents to allow their children, under their con- 
trol, to participate in dancing?" It was referred to S. M. 
Brian, G. P. Claughton and M. S. Shirk, who answered in the 
negative, the report being unanimously adopted. 

An invitation was extended to Dr. J. R. Graves to preach at 
Summit on Wednesday and Thursday before the fourth Lord's 
day in the following November. 

The preachers for the Lord's day services were William Green, 
Norvell Robertson and W. M. Stambaugh, and a collection of 
$89.70 was taken for missions. A committee was appointed to 
secure a suitable missionary to labor within the bounds of the 
Association, and a further subscription was made, amounting 
to $407. 

The Board of Visitors made another fine report as to the con- 
dition and progress of the institution. Among other things, they 
said: "As a further mark of the prosperity of this seminary, 
we take pleasure in reporting that, since our last report, the 
young ladies of this institution have organized a Library So- 
ciety, and have collected together about one hundred and ninety 
volumes, mainly of the young ladies' own contributions." But 
alas ! the war clouds are seen in the distance, the muttering thun- 
der is heard, and the Amite Female Seminary will soon have run 
its course. 

The reader has become familiar with two names which we shall 
meet with no more. They are Jesse Crawford and William For- 
tinberry. LTp to this time they had attended the meetings of 
this Association for many years with greater regularity, per- 
haps, than any other visitors. 'But they were now growing old 
and feeble, and only a few more years remained to them. The 
following sketches are taken from obituary notices written by 
J. E. Pounds, chairman of the committee, and published in the 
minutes of the Pearl River Association for 1870 : 

Jesse Crawford. 

This pioneer preacher was born in the State of Georgia, Feb- 
ruary 4, 1795. On coming to Mississippi he united with Antioch 
Baptist church, Maroun county, in 1824, and was ordained deacon 
in 1826. It was soon discovered that he was destined for a wider 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 97 

field, of usefulness, and, accordingly, on the 28th of March, 1828, 
he was licensed to preach. His ordination occurred the follow- 
ing October, the presbytery being composed of Elders Martin, 
Brakefield and Thigpen. He was soon after called to the care 
of the Antioch church, serving until 1843. He then moved his 
membership to Silver Creek church, in Pike county, remaining 
there during his long life and serving many years as pastor. 
Few men have more entirely devoted their time and talents to 
the Lord's work than did Mr. Crawford. He did much mission- 
ary work and led in the constitution of many churches. Under 
his teaching the members were indoctrinated in the great prin- 
ciples and living truths of the gospel. For a number of years 
before his death he was afflicted with paralysis, and thus pre- 
vented from any outdoor exercise or ministerial labor. 

Mr. Crawford was often appointed to preach at the meetings 
of this Association, and so contributed in no small way to the 
success of the Kingdom in these parts. Death came to him 
March 11, 1869, at the age of seventy-four years. 






98 



ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 



William Fortinberry was born in Lancaster District, South. 
Carolina, December 28, 1799, and removed to Mississippi many 
years ago. In 1823 he united with New Zion church, Marion 
county. He was ordained to the deaconship in 1825, and served 
in that capacity until 1828. Having felt it his duty for some 
years to preach the gospel, he was accordingly licensed June 23, 
1827, and was ordained in November of the next year. The 




WILLIAM FORTINBERRY. 

presbytery was composed of Elders John P. Martin, Isaac Brake- 
field and Jesse Crawford. He was called to the pastorate of this 
church in January, 1829, and continued to serve until 1844. In 
1845 he moved his membership to Hepzibah church, in Lawrence 
county, remaining there six or seven years. He next moved to 
Society Hill church, in the same county, where he remained the 
rest of his life, serving, also, here as pastor. "* * * Fame 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 99 

has not inscribed his name among the great ministers of the day 
and time, but his honest worth, his unfailing integrity, his great 
zeal for the work of his Master, and his untiring usefulness, all 
have joined to endear him to the people and the denomination, 
among whom his lot was cast and for whom he labored." Both 
he and Mr. Crawford served as moderator of the Pearl River As- 
sociation. This worthy and pious man of God devoted himself 
to the great work of preaching the gospel that sinners might 
live, and many were brought from darkness to light. He was 
often selected to preach at the meetings of this body, and was 
a familiar figure in the councils of his brethren. He died Oc- 
tober 27, 1867, aged sixtv-eight years. 

1 SRQ The Association met with Friendship church, 

Pike county, October 13th. Ham McKnight 
was the first preacher, whose text was I Cor. 15 :58. M. S. Shirk 
and L. A. Duncan were the reading clerks, and the body was 
organized by retaining the same officers. Visiting ministers were 
Elders Hugh Quin and Samuel Thigpen. Corresponding mes- 
sengers were W. H. Bailey, from the Pearl River; S. Buffkin and 
0. L. Johnston, from the Union, and L. A. Duncan, from the 
Mississippi River Associations. M. S. Shirk and W. M. Stam- 
baugh were selected for the Sabbath services. 

Mars Hill church sent the following query: "Is it according 
to apostolic practice to read sermons instead of preaching 
them?" Which was referred to a committee consisting of S. 
M. Brian, W. F. Cain and W. Green. In their report they recom- 
mended the Association to answer the query in the negative, and 
accompanied their report with a resolution. The report was 
amended by striking out the resolution, and was then unani- 
mously adopted. 

Elder A. Jones, Jr., editor of the "Mississippi Baptist/' was 
present, and was given an opportunity to address the body in 
behalf of his paper. 

The following resolution was passed relative to titles : 

"Resolved, That we deem it more evangelical to use the title 
'elder/ in addressing ministers of the gospel, than that of 'rev- 
erend/ as the latter is applied in the Bible to God only." 

The report on State of Religion showed the churches generally 
to be in a prosperous condition, 493 baptisms being reported this 
year. Zion Hill leads with 63, while Fort Adams comes next 



100 ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 

with 50, Pierce's Creek with -45: Mount Zion, Franklin county, 
with 40, Jackson, La., with 31, Liberty with 26, etc. A list of the 
pastors is given, and the report says that Elder Zachariah Reeves 
had served Bogue Chitto church. Pike county, for twenty-eight 
years. 

A good report on Sabbath schools was adopted, and the 
churches were recommended to establish schools and to use Bap- 
tist literature. 

The work of the Mississippi Baptist Education Society was 
cordially commended, and a subscription of $150 was made. 
This society was engaged in the work of ministerial education, 
as this quotation from the committee's report will show: "Aid 
this society with your means, that it may be able to assist all 
those who call upon it, properly recommended and indorsed by 
the churches, in procuring an education." 

The annual report of the Board of Visitors to the Amite Fe- 
male Seminary again showed the institution to be in good con- 
dition. 

The Mission Committee reported that they had employed 
Elder W. H. F. Edwards for three-fourths of his time, who gave 
the following summary of work for six months: Miles traveled, 
over 2,000 ; sermons preached, 100 ; exhortations delivered, 15 ; 
prayer-meetings held. 12 ; persons baptized, 20. He also assisted 
in a number of other meetings, in which 130 persons had been 
received. The report says : 

"Never, perhaps, in the history of our Association has there 
been a time more favorable for the spread of the truth as it is in 
Jesus among the people than at present. They have been fed 
on the husks of error so long, and finding it so unsatisfying to 
their immortal natures, that they are inquiring after the truth, 
desiring the sincere milk cf the Word. The field is white, ready 
to the harvest." * 

The report on obituaries mentions the departure of two more 
prominent workers— viz.. Elder Frederick Clark and Deacon 
John Everett, "Elder Clark departed this life on the 13th day 
of July. 1860. at the residence of Bro. G. F. Webb, near the 
town of Liberty, in Amite county. Bro. Clark, at the time of 
his decease, was in the sixty-third year of his age. He had been 
a. preacher of the gospel for about forty years. For the last 
eight years he labored within the bounds of this Association. 
* * * He labored with zeal and fervency in the Master's 
vinevard. His heart was in everv srood work. He was instru- 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 



101 



mental in the conversion of many souls to God, and has gone to 
share the reward of tho e who 'turn many to righteousness.' : 




JOHN EVERETT. 



John Everett was born in Richland District, South Carolina, 
July 31, 1793. He came to Amite county, Mississippi, in 1809. 
In the year 1823 he married Elizabeth Felder, a daughter of 
Elder Chas. Felder. She died in 1832, and in 1835 he married 
Mrs. Elizabeth Frith, a daughter of Zachariah Lea. Eight chil- 
dren were born to him, five by his first marriage and three by 
the second. Mr. Everett professed religion in 1827, uniting with 
East Fork church, where he remained a member until death. He 
served in the capacity of church clerk for many years, and in 
1838 was ordained to the office of deacon. He was also secre- 
tary of the Amite Bible Society. He was an upright citizen, a 
devout Christian, and was highly esteemed by all who knew him. 
An obituary notice says: "The church at East Fork has lost 



102 



ABSTEACT HISTOKY OF THE 



one of its best members, his family its affectionate head, and 
the county one of its most useful and upright citizens. Faithful 
in all the relations of life, he died in the triumphs of faith on 
August 5, 1860, aged sixty-seven years." 




IVY F. THOMPSON. 



Elder Ivy F. Thompson was born in Amite county, Mississippi, 
January 20, 1820. In 1841 he graduated at Oakland College, in 
Mississippi, and later at Judge Shattuck's Law School at Bran- 
don, Miss. In 1844 he was married to Miss Lucinda L. Frith, of 
Amite county, and during this year was admitted to the bar at 
Liberty. Mr. Thompson united with Liberty Baptist church in 
1848, being baptized by Elder Ham McKnight. The following 
year he was licensed to preach. His ordination occurred at 
Greensburg, La., December 21, 1851, Elders Ham McKnight and 
Calvin Magee composing the council. He was an earnest and 
effectual preacher, and was moderator of the Mississippi Eiver 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 103 



Association for four years. His brethren said: "A good man 
has fallen in Israel. * * * No more will be stand upon the 
walls of Zion to proclaim the riches of redeeming love to a lost 
and ruined world." He died at the home of a friend, C. E. 
Strickland, St. Helena parish, Louisiana, July 28, 1860, in the 
prime of life, being little more than forty years of age. 



1861 M " ars H ^ was the P lace °f meeting on the 12th 

of October. Elder S. W. Bullock, the ap- 
pointee, had died during the year, and the alternate, Wm. Green, 
preached the sermon from Job, 7 :16. Zachariah Reeves was re- 
elected moderator, with Ham McKnight clerk. Elders Calvin 
Magee and B. A. Crawford came from the Pearl River Associa- 
tion; E. R. Freeman, D. J. Brown and S. G. Mullins from the 
Union, and S. S. Ralyea from the Mississippi River. 

It was this year (1861) that the Southern skies were dark 
with the clouds of war, and the Association seemed to feel the 
gravity of the coming conflict. A meeting for special prayer 
was appointed for Sunday morning at nine o'clock, when "many 
fervent prayers were offered to God on behalf of our beloved 
country. ' ' And this resolution was adopted : 

et f Resolved, That Saturday before the first Lord's day in No- 
vember be recommended to the churches composing this Associa- 
tion as a day to be devoted to fasting and prayer in view of the 
state of our Confederacy and the war that is being waged 
against us." 

A committee was also appointed for the purpose of receiving 
donations to procure Testaments for those who were volunteer- 
ing in the service of the country. The committee was composed 
of Ham McKnight, D. H. Quin and M. S. Shirk. 

The Board of Visitors to the Amite Female Seminary made 
their annual report, which, as usual, was complimentary to the 
school. Among other things they said: "There has been but a 
small decrease in the number of pupils by withdrawals, not- 
withstanding the condition of the country.' ' 

Elder "W. H. F. Edwards was still the Associational mission- 
ary, who reported for the year as follows: "Traveled over 3,000 
miles, visited 150 families, preached 136 sermons, and baptized 
19 persons." He had also received eighteen others for baptism. 
The report of the Mission Committee closes thus: "While we 
know that Bro. Edwards has been faithful in his labors, and a 



104 



ABSTEACT HISTORY OF THE 



successful missionary, we feel that it will be impossible for your 
committee, under existing circumstances, to continue a mission- 
ary in the field during the ensuing year." 

The report on obituaries, written by M. S. Shirk, says : 
"Since we last met in an Associational capacity our Heavenly 
Father has seen good to remove by death several valuable 
brethren and sisters, prominent among whom is our beloved 
brother, Elder S. W. Bullock. His loss is deeply felt, as it 
leaves a void in society, in his bereaved family, and in the pas- 
torate. He was taken away in the prime of manhood and in the 
midst of his usefulness. As a man in all the varied relations 
of life, none was more highly esteemed. As a husband and 
father, he was tender and affectionate. As a Christian, he was 
most exemplary. As a minister of Jesus, he was sound in doc- 
trine and felicitous in the presentation of the truth." 




STEPHEN JACKSON. 

Stephen Jackson was born near Clinton, La., July 28, 1817,. 
and lived there until grown, uniting with Hepzibah church in 
1836. In 1842 he was married to Miss Amanda Jenkins. To 
them twelve children were born, eight of whom are still living. 
He moved to Amite county, Mississippi, in 1846, carrying his 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 



105 



membership to Galilee church, where he was ordained to the 
deaconship in 1850. He was a farmer by occupation, and was 
a faithful and exemplary Christian. One who knew him well 
pays this tribute to his memory: "He fought the good fight; he 
finished his course; and, when the summons came, he was ready 
to be offered up and receive the crown of glory as his reward for 
faithful work in the Mgster's Kingdom. His w^as a life of serv- 
ice and sacrifice for his Master." Mr. Jackson died March 23, 
1881, in the sixty-fourth year of his age. 




ROBERT T. RICE. 

Robert T. Rice w^as born six miles south of Liberty, Miss., 
March 1, 1817, and died within a few hundred yards of this 
place on the 20th of May, 1891, having reached more than three- 
score and ten years. On December 11, 1838, he was married to 
Miss Louisa Roundtree, and in 1850 he and his wife united with 
Mount Vernon Baptist church, being baptized by Elder Ham 
McKnight. Shortlv afterwards he moved his membership to the 
Liberty church, where he remained until death, being a deacon 
for more than thirty years. During the forty years he was a 
(8) 



106 ABSTBACT HISTORY OF THE 

Christian he seldom missed his church meetings on Saturday, and 
it was his custom to pay his pastor in advance. He was a co- 
worker with such men as Geo. F. Webb, W. Z. Lea and Ransom 
J. Causey. Mr. Rice was a well-to-do farmer, and was faithful 
in his day and generation. 



1 Rfi2 ^ e ^* v ^ ^ ar was now on ' an( * on ^ a " nan d- 

" ful" of brethren met at Pierce's Creek 

church on the 11th of October. Less than half the churches sent 

messengers. The following is a list of those in attendance, as 

shown by the statistical table : 

Ebenezer— W. L. Johns and Lewis Perkins. 

Zion Hill— Samuel Oneal and R. P. Butler. 

Galilee— W. H. F. Edwards and Stephen Jackson. 

Mars Hill— J. J. Smart. 

Friendship— W. A. Young. 

Jackson, La.— 88. M. Brian. 

Liberty— Ham McKnight. 

Mount Zion, Franklin County— li. E. Bates. 

Mount Zion, Copiah County— J. W. Pearce. 

Mount Moriah— James Hall. 

Peace's Creek— S. E. McDonald. 

Fort Adams— D. Eby and J. C. Glass. 

Union— W. Seal. 

Summit— W. F. Cain. 

The Association at this time had thirty-three churches, and 
only fourteen were represented. 

Elder Zachariah Reeves, who had not missed a meeting of the 
body since 1837, and who had been the moderator continuously 
since 1845, was absent this year, as were also both the treasurers. 

Elder Ham McKnight was elected moderator and W. H. F. 
Edwards clerk. Correspondence was received from only one 
Association, the Strong River, Elders James Newman and Wil- 
liam Toler being the messengers. This is our first meeting with 
James Newman, who was to be prominently connected with the 
old ' ' Mississippi ' ' in the coming years. And the Summit church 
was received at this meeting, W. F. Cain being the messenger. 

This account is given of the Sabbath services: "The prayer- 
meeting at ten o'clock was conducted by Elder William Toler, 
after which Elder James Newman preached an able discourse 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 107 

from Luke, 7 : 50, ' And he said unto the woman, Thy faith hath 
saved thee ; go in peace. ' After an intermission of an hour, Elder 
W. H. F. Edwards discoursed from II Cor. 5: 10, 'We must all 
appear before the judgment seat of Christ. ' ' ' 

The committee appointed last year, known as the "Testament 
Distributing Committee," reported $77 received. They had or- 
dered from Graves, Marks & Company, Nashville, Tenn., four 
hundred copies of the New Testament, which had been dis- 
tributed to Captains Hurst's and Morgan's companies in Amite 
county; Captain Lamkin's company in Pike county, and Captain 
Webb's company in Franklin county. Later the committee for- 
warded the sum of twenty dollars for more Testaments, but had 
not received the books. The report says: "Whether they were 
forwarded by Graves, Marks & Company, and lost in transporta- 
tion, or whether they were prevented from forwarding them by 
the capture of Nashville by the Federal forces, your committee 
has not been able to ascertain." Again: "In conclusion, your 
committee can but hope and pray that the Testaments dis- 
tributed under the sanction of this body among the brave vol- 
unteers of our country may lead some to become the soldiers of 
Christ, the Captain of Salvation." The report was written by 
Elder Ham McKnight. 

The Board of Visitors to the Amite Female Seminary made a 
brief report, showing the school to be still in operation and do- 
ing fairly well. They say: "During the year the number of 
pupils has been unexpectedly large, taking into view the pe- 
cuniary and political condition of the country. ' ' This is the last 
we hear of the Amite Female Seminary. Grim war lays its ruth- 
less hand on the young institution, and it is numbered with 
things of the past. 

This query was received from Fort Adams: "What is the 
difference between original sin and natural depravity?" The an- 
swer given was that "natural depravity is .the effect of original 
sin." 

The amount raised for missions was $124, but no mission work 
had been done. The minutes close with these words: "The busi- 
ness of the Association was conducted in peace and brotherly 
love, at the close of which, after singing an appropriate hymn 
and taking the parting hand (to many of us, perhaps, for the 
last time), Elder James Newman, of the Strong River Associa- 
tion, led in prayer, and thus closed the fifty-sixth anniversary of 
the Mississippi B'aptist Association." 



108 ABSTEACT HISTORY OF THE 

1 RR^ The Association held this session with the 

Mount Zion church, Copiah county, begin- 
ning October 10th. J. F. Cook preached the opening sermon 
from Matt. 28 : 18-20. The delegation was larger than last year, 
though not full. Elder Ham McKnight was absent, and the old 
moderator, Zachariah Reeves, was called on to preside, while Mr. 
Edwards was retained as secretary. The visiting ministers were 
Elders J. B. Hamberlin, of the Army Mission, and E. L. Com- 
pere, of the Indian Mission. One new church, New Hope, Frank- 
lin county, was received, B. F. Zumbro being the messenger. 

Elders Zachariah Reeves, J. B. Hamberlin and M. T. Conn did 
the preaching on the Lord's day, and a collection for army mis- 
sions was taken, amounting to $216.50. 

A committee of three was appointed to collect a file of the 
Associational minutes from 1847, with a view to having the same 
published in book form. 

The following resolution was adopted : 

"Resolved, That this Association do most earnestly recom- 
mend the churches to meet on the first Lord's day in every 
month at ten o'clock to offer up special prayer for the success of 
our cause and the spiritual welfare of our armies." 

The subject of army missions was receiving considerable at- 
tention at this time, as shown by the fact that a general meeting 
of the Baptists of the State was called to convene at Hillsboro, 
Scott county, to consider the best methods of doing mission 
work in the Southern army. And the sum of $290 for army mis- 
sions was turned over to Elder J. B. Hamberlin. Treasurer Jas. 
A. Jenkins reported $380 sent up by the churches. Of course, 
these funds were in Confederate money. 

The report on obituaries notes the death of three ministers— 
viz., H. H. Thompson, C. L. Oliver and Elihu McKay. Mr. 
Thompson died March 25, 1863, near Richmond, Va. He united 
with Macedonia church, Copiah county, at the age of seventeen, 
and was ordained to the ministry in his twentieth year. He 
volunteered at his country's call, and fell a sacrifice to her cause. 
He left a wife and a large circle of friends. 

C. L. Oliver died October 13, 1862. He was a member of Da- 
mascus church, Franklin county, and was ordained to the work 
of the ministry in 1857. He adorned the doctrine of God his 
Savior in his deportment before the world, and was beloved by 
all that knew him. 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 109 

Elihu McKay departed this life June 8, 1862. He was a con- 
sistent Christian for twenty years, fifteen of which he was a 
preacher. He was a member, and also pastor, of New Hope 
church, received during this session. He died in the triumphs of 
faith in about the fiftieth year of his age. 



1 Sfi4 ^e opening paragraph of this year's minutes 

is as follows : ' ' Summit church, Pike county, 
Mississippi, October 8, 1864. The Association assembled this day 
with the Summit Baptist church, the place of meeting having 
been changed by mutual consent from Union church, Franklin 
county, the former being too near the enemy's lines." The 
writer evidently intended to say "the latter being too near the 
enemy's lines," or it may have been an error of the printer. 

The next paragraph says : "In consequence of raids of the 
enemy, said to be approaching this place, and expected here in 
a few hours, the annual sermon was dispensed with." This was 
a time of fear and trembling, but these faithful Baptists re- 
mained, holding a session of one day. Zachariah Reeves was 
absent again this year, and the body was organized by choosing 
Elder J. R. Graves to preside, while W. H. F. Edwards was re- 
elected clerk. Twelve churches out , of thirty-four were repre- 
sented by delegates, as follows, others sending letters: 

East Fork— Henry G. Quin. 
Galilee— W. H. F. Edwards and T. M. Mercer. 
Hopewell— K. R. Webb and W. P. Dodds. 
Friendship— M. Cole. 

Mount Pleasant— James Price and Thomas Reeves. 
Mount Zion, Franklin— U. E. Bates, D. B. Cain and C. 
Young. 
Mount Zion, Copiah— H. A. Davis. 
Bogue Chitto— Jeremiah Walker. 
Mount Moriah— W. S. Horr and Benjamin Delanther. 
Shady Grove— Henry Moak. 
Holmesville— D. C. Walker. 
Summit— J. R. Graves and J. F. Cook. 

Correspondence from other associations was as follows: S. G. 
Mullins, from the Union; Wilson Clark, from the Pearl River, 
and Peter Turner, from the Mississippi River. And the appoint- 



110 ABSTEACT HISTORY OF THE 

ments for preaching on the Sabbath were S. G. Mullins, Peter 
Turner, J. G. Lathrop and J. R. Graves. 

The treasurer was instructed that, in case the funds on hand 
should be unexpended by January 1, 1865, to place the same in 
the nearest depository for redemption in new issue. More than 
$2,000 was on hand, but it was, of course, greatly depreciated in 
value. 

One remarkable thing this year is the large number of bap- 
tisms, a total of 483 being reported. The Summit church led 
with 78; Zion Hill followed with 73; Mount Zion, Franklin, 
came next with 63; Liberty reported 50; Mars Hill; 44; East 
Fork, 43 ; Jackson, La., 31 ; Galilee, 26 ; Mount Moriah, 25 ; New 
Providence and Hopewell, each 19, and Bogue Chitto, 7. 



1 $fi^ ^^ e -Assertion meets, according to appoint- 

ment, in the historic village of Holmesville, 
the courthouse town of Pike county, situated in a lovely valley 
alongside the beautiful Bogue Chitto, whose waters have leaped 
and sung for ages. Great events have transpired since the last 
meeting of the old "Mississippi"— events that will make history 
for all time to come. The four weary years of war have now 
ended. Gen. Lee has surrendered at Appomattox, and the remain- 
ing soldiers have returned to their desolated homes and suffer- 
ing families, while thousands of their comrades sleep in unmarked 
graves on distant battlefields. Abraham Lincoln has died at 
the hand of an assassin, and the sectional feeling between the 
North and South is still at fever heat. Sweet peace, however, 
has spread her wings over the dark scene, and the saints may 
assemble at the quiet country village for worship and business. 

Zachariah Reeves and W. H. F. Edwards, the appointee and 
alternate, both being absent, J. R. Graves preaches the intro- 
ductory sermon from I Timothy, 3 : 15. Twenty-four churches 
send messengers, and the body is organized by the re-election of 
J. R. Graves as moderator, while A. J. Everett, of East Fork, is 
selected to do the writing. 

The corresponding messengers were B. A. Crawford and F. 
M. Quin from the Pearl River Association, and Peter Turner 
from the Mississippi River. Appointments for preaching at the 
Baptist and Methodist churches during the session were made as 
follows : M. S. Shirk, J. R. Graves, C. H. Otken. Peter Turner 
and B. A. Crawford. 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. Ill 

Mount Zion, Copiah county; Mount Moriah and Jackson, La., 
churches asked for letters of dismission. 

This query was submitted for consideration: "Are infants 
born into the world with sinful natures?" The same was re- 
ferred to a committee composed of M. S. Shirk, C. H. Otken, 
B. A. Crawford and Peter Turner. 

The following resolution on popular amusements was passed 
by the body, and still needs to be emphasized : 

"Resolved, That it is, and ever has been, the sense of this As- 
sociation that all participation in, or voluntary attendance on, 
balls or parties for dancing or card-playing for amusement, or 
any other game of hazard or chance, is entirely incompatible 
with the Christian character and profession; that they are sins 
against God, and a reproach to the Christian name, and as such 
merit the strictest discipline of the churches." 

The Association also adopted this resolution relative to Dr. 
J. R. Graves and his paper: 

"Resolved, That the interests of our denomination at large 
demand that our brother, Elder J. R. Graves, be placed in a 
position to exert the most extended influence in the promotion of 
the interests of the Redeemer's kingdom. We, therefore, urge 
the importance and necessity of his resuming the publication of 
his paper, 'The Tennessee Baptist,' at the earliest practicable 
date, and we pledge to him our most hearty support." 

The Association advised the churches to organize their colored 
members into separate bodies at as early a day as might be prac- 
ticable. They were now no longer slaves. 

James A. Jenkins, treasurer, reported contributions in 1863 
at $350; in 1864, between $300 and $500, all of which was iri 
Confederate money, and, hence, worthless. And the minutes for 
1863, 1864 and 1865 are printed under one cover. 

G. P. Claughton. 

G. P. Claughton, who served the Association in the capacity of 
clerk for nine years, from 1844 to 1852, inclusive, died on the 
13th of January, 1863. The report on obituaries says: 

"For more than thirty years he represented Galilee church, 
Amite county, and subsequently, for three or four years, Union 
church, Franklin county, in this body. A man of strict in- 
tegrity, and upright in all his business transactions, he was 
highly esteemed in every relation of life. As a neighbor, he was 



112 ABSTEACT HISTORY OF THE 

kind; as a friend, sincere; as a parent, affectionate; as a hus- 
band, devoted; as a disciple of Jesus, without reproach; as a 
deacon of the church, he used his office well. His heart was in 
every good work. In him his pastor had a friend; the younger 
members, a guide; the older, a counsellor; and all, an example 
of wisdom and practical religion." 




w 




J. R. GRAVES, LL. D. 

The following biographical sketch is taken from the "Bap- 
tist Encyclopedia" : 

"J. R. Graves, LL. D., Avas born in Chester, Vt., April 10, 
1820. His mother was the granddaughter of a distinguished 
German physician and scholar named Schnell. He was the 
youngest of three children. At the age of fifteen he was con- 
verted, and when nineteen he was elected principal of the Kings- 
ville Academy, Ohio, where he remained two years, when, with 
impaired health, he went for the winter to Kentucky. There 
he took charge of the Clear Creek Academy, near Nicholasville, 
Jessamine county. About that time he united with Mount Free- 
dom church, and was soon licensed to preach without his knowl- 
edge; but he would not enter the ministry, feeling himself 
wholly disqualified for such great work. In July, 1845, he came 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 113 

to Nashville, Term. In a few days he rented a building and 
opened the Vine Street Classical and Mathematical Academy, 
and shortly after united with the First Baptist Church. In the 
fall of 1845 he took charge of the Second Church, on Cherry 
Street, now the Central Baptist Church, and the following year 
he was elected editor of the 'Tennessee Baptist/ when his public 
religious career, with which all are more or less familiar, com- 
menced. 

"When, in the autumn of 1846, he took charge of the 'Ten- 
nessee Baptist/ it had a circulation of only one thousand, and 
before the breaking out of the war it had attained the largest 
circulation of any Baptist paper in the world. At the same time 
he edited a monthly, a quarterly and an annual, besides editing 
all the books that were issued from the presses of the South- 
western Publishing House. In addition he wrote and published 
the following works: 'The Desire of All Nations,' 'The Watch- 
man's Reply,' 'The Trilemma,' 'The First Baptist Church in 
America,' 'The Little Iron Wheel,' 'The Great Iron Wheel,' 
'The Bible Doctrine of the Middle Life,' 'Exposition of Mod- 
ern Spiritism,' 'The New Hymn and Tune Book,' 'The Little 
Seraph, ' and, last, ' Old Landmarkism : What It Is. ' 

"He originated the first Ministers' Institute. He raised with- 
out compensation the endowment of the theological chair in 
Union University, and without charge he established the Mary 
Sharpe College, Winchester, Tenn., securing the necessary 
funds, and he drafted its admirable curriculum. 

"In 1848 he originated the Southwestern Publishing House, 
Nashville, Tenn., for the dissemination of sound Baptist litera- 
ture, and subsequently the Southern Baptist Sunday School 
Union, both of which achieved great success, but were destroyed 
by the war. 

"He was a great preacher, following unusual lines of thought. 
He was pre-eminently doctrinal, yet Christ crucified was the 
soul of every sermon. He was lengthy, yet he held the atten- 
tion of his audience to the last. He insisted strongly upon the 
forms, rites and duties of the true church, and upon water bap- 
tism, and baptism properly administered, yet he placed the blood 
of Christ before water. His eloquence was sometimes over- 
whelming. He was the acknowledged head of the great move- 
ment among Baptists known as 'Old Landmarkism.' 

"In his early ministry, Dr. Graves had many converts under 
his preaching. The writer was with him on one occasion in 



114 ABSTEACT HISTOEY OF THE 

Brownsville, Tenn., in 1849, where more than seventy persons, 
including the best men and women of the place, found the 
Savior. His arguments, illustrations and appeals were the most 
powerful I ever heard. Before he was thirty years of age over 
thirteen hundred persons had professed religion in special meet- 
ings which he held. 

"In 1853 the Domestic Mission Board of the Southern Bap- 
tist Convention were exceedingly anxious to establish a strong 
Baptist church in New Orleans. To secure this object they in- 
vited Dr. Fuller, of Baltimore, to go to that city as a mission- 
ary. Then they formally appointed Dr. Graves to the position, 
with a salary of $3,000 per annum. Dr. Graves had a wonder- 
ful command over his audience, holding them spellbound for 
hours at a time. He was deeply in earnest, uttered the strong 
convictions of his own mind, and carried his hearers with him 
as by the force of a tornado. As a presiding officer over the de- 
liberative bodies, Dr. Graves was often honored, and no man 
more richly deserved it. Dr. Graves had some eight or ten pub- 
lic discussions, to each of which he was challenged, and in every 
one of which his opponent felt sorry for inviting the conflict. 

"Dr. Graves in his peculiarities represented a section of the 
Baptist denomination, a conscientious and devoted portion of 
our great apostolic community ; but in his earnest and generous 
zeal for our heaven-inspired principles he represented all thor- 
ough Baptists throughout the ages and the nations. In his lit- 
erary efforts he was of immense service to the Baptist churches 
in America. The fearless boldness of Dr. Graves in advocating 
the practices of Christ and His Apostles, his manly denuncia- 
tion of that ungodly character that would tread underfoot a di- 
vine ordinance to please untaught professing Christians of 
Pedobaptist denominations, have aided mightily in suppressing 
lukewarmness and in fostering zeal for the truth among us." 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 



115 



Chas. H. Otken is a native of Louisiana. His mother died 
when he was about six years old, and he lived with his uncle, at- 
tending two public and one private schools. He then served six 
years consecutively as clerk in a store. In 1854 he was received 
on a profession of faith into the Coliseum Place Baptist Church, 
New Orleans. In 1856 he entered Mississippi College as a licen- 
tiate preacher, and there continued his studies until instruction 




CHAS. H. OTKEN, LL. D. 



in the college was discontinued on account of the war between 
the States. He taught school, during two vacations, at Bolton 
and Edwards, in Hinds county. He joined the Charlton Rifles, 
from Raymond, Hinds county, at Tupelo, Miss., and served as a 
private. Later in the service he was appointed chaplain of his 
regiment. 

His ordination to the ministry occurred in the St. Frances 
Street Baptist Church, Mobile, Ala., in 1864, Dr. S. H. Ford 



116 ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 

being chairman of the ordaining council. After the close of the 
war he went to Amite county, and became pastor of the Liberty 
and Mount Vernon churches, and taught school. He was mar- 
ried in 1866 to Miss Emily J. Lea, of Amite county. 

Dr. Otken was elected principal of the Peabody Public School 
at Summit, Miss., in 1867, beginning with twenty-seven pupils 
and closing with three hundred and forty-seven. He occupied 
this position nine consecutive years, and during this time was 
pastor of the Summit Baptist church seven years. 

He next organized the Lea Female College at Summit, which 
had a prosperous career for eighteen years, and in which many 
young ladies from the surrounding country were educated. He 
also served five years as principal of the McComb City Female 
Institute, directing its affairs and teaching seven hours a day. 
He was at one time a trustee of the University of Mississippi 
for four years, and of Mississippi College ten years. The latter 
institution, without his knowledge or solicitation, conferred on 
him the honorary degrees of A. M. and LL. D. 

Mr. Otken has written much for the press. In 1904 he pub- 
lished "The Ills of the South,' ' and in 1905 was awarded the 
second prize by the "Times-Democrat," of New Orleans, for the 
best paper on the "Southern Agricultural Crisis,' ■ there being 
ninety-three competitors from ten Southern States. 

In 1903 he was elected to the office of County Superintendent 
of Public Education, Pike county, Mississippi, which position he 
holds at this time (1908), having been re-elected in 1907. He 
performs his work with care and accuracy, and takes great in- 
terest in the cause of general education. His life-service has 
been devoted to the good of humanity. 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 



117 



Acknowledgment is hereby made to Elder C. H. Otken, who 
wrote an account of the life and death of this aged preacher of* 
the gospel. 

Peter Turner was born at Manchester, England, June 19, 1812, 
and died at Rancho, Texas, February 6, 1892, having reached 
the great age of 79 years, 7 months and 17 days. Early in life 
he served an apprenticeship as a brick mason and was skilled 




PETER TURNER. 



in the business. This occupation served him well in after life, 
for, like Paul, he was not ashamed to work with his own hands 
when necessity demanded it. He was three times married, twice 
in England and once in America, his last wife being a Miss 
Causey of Amite county, to whom he was married March 5, 1884. 
He was first a Methodist, being a preacher of that denomination 
for twelve years. In his early ministry he served as a street mis- 
sionary in his native town, preaching on the docks, in the mar- 
kets and from doorsteps. It was a hard service, but it was per- 



118 ABSTEACT HISTORY OF THE 

formed with conscientious fidelity and with singleness of aim. 
During this period he visited London, and shortly afterward 
came to New York. Arrangements having been made for preach- 
ing at Five Points, he was chosen to fill the second appointment. 
This place, fifty years ago, was regarded as the roughest and 
most depraved portion of New York City. Here sailors and 
desperate characters congregated. To reach these hardened men 
who held life cheap demanded no ordinary gifts of character, 
and of grace, on the part of the preacher. Self-possession, judg- 
ment, discrimination, quick perception and fearlessness were 
called into requisition. On one occasion a rough, boisterous 
sailor made so much noise that Mr. Turner could not make him- 
self heard. ' ' Jack, ' ' said the preacher, ' ' you had a mother once. ' ' 
"Aye, aye," said Jack, "and the man hereaways that says me 
mother wasn't a good woman, I'll put this bunch of five between 
his two blinkers.' "Then, Jack," said the preacher, "by your 
mother's God, stop the noise in the house." Jack answered: 
"I'll clear the deck of any man hereaways that says another 
word ontil the preacher has spun his gospel yarn." Mr. Turner 
labored some ten months at Five Points. His wife's anxiety 
on account of this hard work and constant exposure to rough 
treatment, induced him to seek work in the State of Missouri. 
Here his doctrinal views having become known to Bishop Mar- 
vin, the latter suggested that he ought not to remain in the 
Methodist Church. Accordingly, after careful investigation and 
earnest prayer, he united with one of the Baptist churches in 
Missouri and was ordained a Baptist preacher. The following 
incident, related by Mr. Turner, gave rise to his investigations on 
matters of doctrine, and which finally led him from the Method- 
ist to the Baptist position : While a Methodist preacher he was 
sent for in a hurry to christen a very sick child, to which he 
responded. As he was entering the gate to the premises, and 
just as he was lifting the latch, something seemed to say to him, 
"What good can this act do the child?" He went in, however, 
and performed the rite over the sick child; but the same voice 
followed him, "What good can this act do the child?" The 
next Sabbath, when he attempted to preach, he was still con- 
fused over the matter, so much so that he lost his text and made 
a failure. He at once set about a careful investigation of bap- 
tism and other subjects, with the result of a complete change of 
views. When he mentioned the matter to his wife, he found to 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 119 

his surprise and gratification that she had been contemplating 
the same thing. 

Mr. Turner labored with much acceptance in Missouri until 
the commencement of the civil war, his sj^mpathies being with 
the South. By industry and economy he had accumulated con- 
siderable property, and had erected at his own cost and on his 
own land a first class building for an academy. After he left 
the State this building was destroyed by the Federal army. 
During the lifetime of Mr. Turner's second wife, with whom 
he lived for forty-four years, they raised and educated four 
orphan children. He came to Mississippi and served a number 
of churches in the southern portion of the State and in Louisiana. 
After the war he went to Texas and preached to the churches 
at Leesville, Rancho, Big Springs and Sweet Home. After the 
death of his second wife he returned to Mississippi and was pas- 
tor at Summit, Gloster and Centerville. He was now growing 
old and feeble, and, going again to Texas, he died there February 
6, 1892. 

Mr. Turner was a jolly companion, having a large stock of 
original wit, which, together with his peculiar brogue, made 
him exceedingly entertaining. He was alsa a man of deep con- 
secration and good preaching ability. His extensive travel, 
numerous experiences and close observation of men and things 
gave his conversations and sermons a peculiar interest. He was, 
withal, unpretentious and humble. On one occasion toward the 
end of his earthly pilgrimage he said to the compiler of this 
T)ook: "If you are near when I die, I want you to preach my 
funeral; and I do not want you to say much about me in the 
way of praise, for I am only a pooi* sinner saved by grace." 



1 Rfifi ^e mee ti n £ this year was held with Union 

church, Franklin county, fourteen miles 
west of Meadville. Elder Zachariah Reeves delivered the Asso- 
ciational sermon from John, 3: 30, "He must increase, but I 
must decrease." Twenty-four churches were represented, while 
■eight failed to report. Mount Zion church, Copiah county, re- 
turned to the Association. The organization was completed by 
the return of Zachariah Reeves to the moderator's chair, while 
A. J. Everett was retained as secretary. The ministers ap- 
pointed to preach on the Lord's day were Elders Reeves, Shirk 
and Otken. 



120 ABSTKACT HISTORY OF THE 

The "Christian Watchman/' published at Jackson, Miss., and 
edited by J. B. Hamberlin, was commended as being worthy of 
patronage and support. 

Some brother had taken up the notion that it was sinful to 
be a Mason, whuo someone else wanted to preach without license, 
hence these two queries: "What course should a church take 
with a member who declares non-fellowship with those mem- 
bers who belong to the Masonic fraternity, and after being 
labored with refuses to be reconciled?" "Have members of 
this organization a right to preach without license?" These 
queries were referred to M. S. Shirk, C. H. Otken, James A, 
Jenkins, Stephen Jackson and Solomon Buffkin, who reported 
that being a Mason affords no ground for church censure, and 
that a brother refusing fellowship on such grounds should come 
under the discipline of the church. In regard to preaching with- 
out license, they reported in the negative. 

It was recommended to the churches to observe Saturday be- 
fore the fifth Sunday in the following December as a day of 
humiliation and prayer, in view of the low state of religion. 

The query presented a year ago, "Are infants born into the 
world with sinful natures?" was answered in a lengthy and 
well written report by M. S. Shirk, chairman of the committee. 
The answer was in the affirmative, as a few quotations will show : 

"From the plain and simple teaching of the Scriptures, we 
are compelled to regard Adam as the federative head or repre- 
sentative of his race. While, therefore, he maintained his inno- 
cency, his posterity stood in him; and when he fell, they fell 
in him. His moral character being then changed— depraved — 
it followed as a natural and necessary consequence that his pos- 
terity would partake, not of his original, but of his changed and 
fallen character. * * * In Genesis, 5 : 3, it is said: 'Adam 
lived one hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his own 
— now depraved — likeness, after his — vitiated — image,' etc. 
Originally he was in God's image and likeness; this he has lost, 
and he now had a likeness and an image of his own. " * * * 
Finally, the doctrine of original sin in no way excuses actual 
transgression. It does not compel a man to be dishonest, pro- 
fane, intemperate or licentious ; on the contrary, it only teaches 
that man is personally incapable of divesting himself of his 
natural depravity, and that a Savior is, therefore, entirely es- 
sential, for infants as well as adults." 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 121 

This report occupies more than two pages of the minutes, ana 
is a strong Scriptural document. If there were any doubting- 
Thomases on the question of natural depravity, they must have 
been convinced by the logical and scriptural arguments pre- 
sented. 

It will be recalled that we are now in the beginning of the re- 
construction period. Slavery has been abolished and new con- 
ditions confront the Southern people. Social and financial dis- 
tinctions which prevailed before the war are rapidly passing 
away, and a common level will be reached. With these new con- 
ditions will come by and by new ideas of church life and progress. 
Stipulated salaries for pastors will be advocated and other im- 
portant changes and improvements will be made. Dr. C. H. Otken 
gives the following account of religious conditions at this time: 

1. In 1860 S. S. Relyea urged a stated salary for pastors. 
He was informed that if he presented it again the pulpit would 
be closed to him. This was in the church, whose mem- 
bership were worth $500,000. 

2. In 1866 there was no regular Sunday school organization. 

3. In 1866 no stated salary Was paid in the Mississippi Asso- 
ciation, with possibly one exception. 

4. In 1866 there was deep hostility to ministerial education, 

5. In 1866, as well as I remember, the membership paid one- 
quarter of one cent per capita to missions of all kinds. 

Bro. Hamilton McKnight, of Liberty, told me in 1866 that 

just before the war he counted one Sunday at . 

church : 

(1) Fifty carriages, costing- from $600 to $1,000 each, with 
a span of horses costing from $300 to $500, and a negro driver 
costing from $1000 to $1500. (2) Two hundred buggies. (3) 
Many saddle horses. (4) The dress and jewelry of many a lady, 
married and single, cost from $100 to $2000. The house in which 
they worshipped was worth about $1000, an ungainly and un- 
comfortable structure. That church generally took up a sub- 
scription for Bro. , pastor, in October, November 

and December, amounting to $150 for his annual service. 

If we compare present conditions (1908) with those of 1866, 
the marked advancement in religions life is at once apparent. 
We now have a grent Sunday School system, much enthusiasm 
in missions, with enlarged contributions, well supported orphan- 
ages, ffood church buildings, an able ministry and a steady in- 
(9) 



122 ABSTEACT HISTOEY OF THE 

crease in membership. Our schools, colleges and religions papers 
are also second to none in the country, and altogether onr people 
have cause for devout thanksgiving. 



1867 Tlie P lace °^ meetni g was Zi°n Hill, and the 

time October 12th. M. S. Shirk preached 
the introductory sermon from Matthew, 5: 16. One new church, 
Percy's Creek, was received at this meeting. This was a differ- 
ent church, it is presumed, from Pierce's Creek, but the location 
is not given. The old officers were again re-elected and the 
usual correspondence was received, Elder C. M. Gordon being 
from the Union and W. H. Bailey and J. B. Lewis from the Pearl 
River Associations. Appointments for Sabbath services were 
Elders C. M. Gordon, Solomon Buffkin and J. B. Lewis, and a 
collection of $42.61 was taken for the Lauderdale Orphans' 
Home and School. 

It appears that the Associational treasurer, James A. Jenkins, 
had been censured concerning the management of the funds, 
whereupon the body passed this resolution: 

"Resolved, That we as a body approve of Bro. James A. Jen- 
kins' statement as treasurer, and that we disapprove of all cen- 
sure alleged against him as a Christian and gentleman." 

A committee was also appointed to act with Mr. Jenkins in pre- 
paring a statement of the financial condition and proceedings of 
the Association for the years 1865 and 1866, for publication in 
the "Tennessee Baptist." 

The Association recommended all members of the churches to 
give at least one dollar each for missionary purposes and to 
pay same quarterly. And a missionary board of five members 
was appointed to receive funds and occupy destitute fields. This 
is the first effort at mission work after the war. A report was 
made on "destitution," which says: "Several churches are 
without any preaching, and have no prospect at this time of ob- 
taining ministers to supply their wants in this respect. Some 
of these are earnestly asking for aid to build up again the 
walls of Zion, which have been thrown down by the effects of 
the war." 

The pastors for this year were as follows: T. J. Hutson, "W. 
H. Bailey, Zachariah Peeves, B. A. Crawford, J. B. Lewis, C. 
H. Otken, Solomon Buffkin, Joseph Pounds, E. H. Hamlin, Peter 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST. ASSOCIATION. 123 

Turner, G. H. Barrett, Charles M. Gordon, Elias George and 
E. Young. 



1 SfiS This sess ^ on °f the Association was held with 

Mount Pleasant church, Pike county, Elder 
Keeves preaching the opening sermon from John, 10 : 16. Twenty 
churches sent delegates, while eleven had no representation. One 
new church, Tangipahoa, was received, but names of messengers 
were not given. In organizing the body the same officers were 
retained. The committee on religious services reported that 
Elders Buffkin, Goss and Otken would preach on the Sabbath. 
While the initials are not given, it is supposed that this was 
Elder A. Goss. 

Zion Hill sent this query: "Is it consistent with Baptist 
usage for a sister church of the same faith and order to receive 
and re-baptize an excommunicated person?" It was answered 
in the negative. 

The Executive Board appointed a year ago reported that, 
owing to the scarcity of money, and the general depression of the 
country, no missionary had been employed. No receipts were 
reported, but it was decided to use the amount on hand in mis- 
sion work, to which the churches were asked to consent. 

Some resolutions were adopted relative to the alarming desti- 
tution in the number of ministers in the Association, and the 
insufficient support preachers were receiving. The churches 
were earnestly counseled to encourage any young man who might 
have talents and who felt himself called to preach. They also 
said: "It is the sense of this Association that every member 
of the church is under obligations by the gospel to support the 
ministry as God has blessed him." 

The report on "state of religion" showed that many of the 
churches were in a very cold condition. It appears clear that the 
civil war, followed by reconstruction times, was still having a 
depressing and demoralizing effect on the country. 

The pastoral relations this year were as follows: S. S. Eelyea 
served New Providence, EVnezer and Liberty ; Zachariah Reeves 
preached for East Fork, Mount Zion, Franklin. Zion Hill and 
Mars Hill; J. B. Lewis was pastor at Mount Pleasant; T. J. 
Hutson was bishop of Friendship, Franklin and Mount Zion, 
Copiah; Solomon Buffkin ministered to Union, Spring Hill and 
Hopewell; B. A. Crawford served Bogue Chitto and Tangipahoa; 



124 ABSTEACT HISTORZ OF THE 

E. Young preached for Damascus; C. M. Gordon was bishop 
of Sarepta, and W. H. Bailey of Mount Vernon. Several other 
churches made no reports as to their spiritual condition. 

Wilson Clark. 

The following brief mention of this pioneer preacher appears 
in the minutes of the State Convention for 1877: "Rev. Wilson 
Clark, of Mississippi Association, and one of the pioneer preach- 
ers of this part of the State, has been called, as we believe, 
to that rest which remains for the people of God. Bro. Clark 
was full of years, having passed three score and ten. He was 
modest and retiring, but earnest and faithful; and was blessed 
in his labors as the work prospered in his hands. Brethren, God 
is calling home his ambassadors. Let us, therefore, work while 
it is day, that we may be ready when the night of death shall 
come, in which no man can work. Mr. Clark was born in North 
Carolina, November, 2, 1794, and came to Mississippi about the 
year 1808. He removed to Louisiana in 1833, but returned to 
Mississippi four years later. His ministry covered a period of 
forty-seven years. He died June, 1877, full of days and abun- 
dant in labors. " 

The Convention committee writing the above, except the last 
part, was composed of D. I. Purser, B. A. Crawford, James New- 
man and W. W. Bolls. These ambassadors, like the one of whom 
they wrote, have been called home. 



1 ftfiQ This sess ^ on was fie ^ wn ^h Ebenezer church, 

beginning October 9th. Solomon Buffkin 
preached the opening sermon from Luke, 7 : 23. Zachariah 
Reeves was continued as moderator, while Elder Buffkin was 
selected for the clerkship. James A. Jenkins and James B. Quin 
were continued as treasurers — the former of the Associational 
fund and the latter of the Missionary and Benevolent fund. 
Elders W. W. Bolls and James Newman came as corresponding* 
messengers from the Union Association. 

The services on Sunday were held in the grove, James New- 
man and Zachariah Reeves doing the preaching. 

On Monday the Association adjourned to hear a sermon by 
W. W. Bolls on "The Origin and Perpetuity of the Church.' ' 
His text was John, 17 : 15. 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 125 

The Missionary Committee reported failure again this year, 
owing to lack of funds. The churches were urged to have ser- 
mons preached on missions, and to take collections for the 
same. 

A well written report was presented by C. H. Otken on 
"Ministerial Support," from which this quotation is taken: "It 
is useless to disguise the fact that our ministers are not receiv- 
ing that adequate support which enables them to lay aside their 
secular pursuits, to which they now devote six-sevenths of their 
time, in order to support their families. We believe that this 
sad state of things is not owing so much to a disposition not 
to aid in bearing the expenses of the church as to a reckless 
want of system upon this subject in our churches. ' ' And it was 
recommended that the churches adopt the plan of paying fixed 
salaries to their pastors. 

Aaron Butler. 

This distinguished layman was born in Virginia, November 
3, 1778, and died October 3, 1868, lacking only one month of 
being ninety years old. He came to Mississippi in 1809. He 
professed religion in early life and was in the constitution of 
Zion Hill church. July 4, 1813, he volunteered his services in 
defense of his country, joining Colonel Hinds' regiment. He 
distinguished himself at the battle of New Orleans, January 
8, 1815. He was a good man, faithful in the discharge of his 
duties, and pious in his everyday walk. It is said that probably 
seventy-five years of his life were spent in the Lord's service. 



126 



ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 



Hamilton McKnight was born November 19, 1819, and died 
at his residence, in Liberty, Miss., April 13, 1869, being in his 
fiftieth year. He was afflicted twelve years. He was married 
to Miss Nancy B. Hardwick at Liberty, Miss., May 7, 1840, and 
in the following year united with the Liberty Baptist church, 
under the preaching of Elder S. J. Fisher. He was soon after 
licensed to preach and in a few months was ordained to the 




Hamilton Mcknight and wife. 



full work of the ministry, the ordaining council being composed 
of Elders H. D. F. Roberts and Charles Felder. Mr. McKnight 
combined the profession of law with the work of the ministry, 
practicing many years at Liberty. He was also a Mason of high 
standing. He assisted in constituting Mount Vernon, St. Helena 
and Summit churches. He served the Liberty church fourteen 
years, his relationship being continuous, except when broken by 
illness. Here he experienced a change of heart, and here he 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 127 

closed his earthly career. He was orthodox on the great funda- 
mental doctrines of the New Testament. Upon all questions of 
church or state he acted in accordance with his conceptions of 
duty and convictions of right. He was, therefore, regarded 
by all who knew him as a man of undoubted integrity. H« 
died as he had lived, a Christian. His last words to one of 
his deacons were: "lam not afraid to die. I am a sinner, but 
a sinner saved by grace.' ' Elder Zachariah Reeves visited him 
during his last hours and asked him this question: "You are 
nearly gone, Bro. Ham. Are you leaving the world with the 
faith you have preached ?" He nodded an unwavering assent; 
his lips refused to perform their office. "Blessed are the dead 
who die in the Lord. Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest 
from their labors, and their works do follow them." 



1 870 Hopewell church is the place of meeting on 

Saturday, October 8th. Solomon Buffkin 
preaches the opening sermon from II Cor. 5 : 20. Once more, and 
for the last time, Zachariah Reeves is chosen to preside over the 
deliberations, while A. J. Everett returns to the clerk's table. 
James A. Jenkins is re-elected treasurer, also for the last time, 
this making seventeen years of continuous service. 

Elders T. J. Drane, "W. "W. Bolls and James Newman were 
selected to do the preaching on the Lord's day, and the collec- 
tion amounted to $57.65. 

The matter of supplying the destitute portions of the Asso- 
ciational territory with preaching was still engaging the at- 
tention and consideration of the body, and the Executive Com- 
mittee had secured the services of Elder W. W. Bolls as Asso- 
ciational missionary at a salary of $1000 a year. This report 
is made of work done: Number of miles traveled, 1024; ser- 
mons preached, 131; persons baptized, 21; Sunday Schools or- 
ganized, 4; denominational books sold, $100. Moses Jackson 
was chairman; W. Z. Lea, secretary, and E. B. McLain, treas- 
urer, of this Executive Board. Receipts this year for missions, 
$877. 

The following query was received from the Liberty church: 
"'Has a church of Christ any Scriptural authority for excusing 
drunkenness in one of its members, though an acknowledgment 
should be made by the offender?" The answer given by the 



128 ABSTEACT HISTORY OF THE 

Association was No, and I Cor. 5 :11 to 13 given as a reference. 
The body also adopted a brief but pointed report on Tem- 
perance, written by Elder T. J. Drane, as follows: "The use of 
intoxicating drink is operating detrimentally to the interest 
of our Zion. Drunkenness is condemned by the great Head of 
the church, and we need not disguise the fact that there is too 
much liquor drinking among our members. Tippling is a sin 
against God, and any brother who would stoop so low as to be 
guilty of such an act should be dealt with by his church. ' ' 

An advisory committee was appointed to superintend the or- 
ganization of the colored churches into an Association of their 
own. 

T. J. Drane was requested to furnish a copy of his sermon 
delivered on Sunday for publication in the "Tennessee Baptist." 

The appointment to preach the missionary sermon next year 
fell on Elder Zachariah Reeves, but this was his last time to 
be in the old Mississippi Association, and when the hour for ad- 
journment came he offered the closing prayer. Since 1833 he 
had attended these meetings with wonderful promptness and 
regularity. And for twenty-four years he had occupied the 
moderator's chair. When the body convened again he had 
crossed over to the other sHe, "where congregations never break 
up and Sabbaths have no end." 



1 $71 ^ e Association was to have convened this 

year with the Fort Adams church, but, yel- 
low fever being expected there, the meeting was held with Gali- 
lee church, commencing October 7th. No mention is made of an 
introductory sermon. The organization was completed by the 
election of W. W. Bolls as moderator; George F. Webb, clerk, 
and W. Z. Lea, treasurer. One new church, "Wall Street," 
Natchez, Miss., was received, T. J. Drane and B. Pendleton being 
the delegates. Letters of dismission were granted to Mount Ver- 
non, Mars Hill, Bogue Chitto and Mount Pleasant churches. 

Elders James Nelson and D. I. Purser were in attendance 
at this meeting, the former representing the Board of Ministerial 
Education and the latter being a messenger from the Union As- 
sociation. L. Schofield and James Nelson were selected for the 
Lord's day services, and on Monday Mr. Nelson delivered an ad- 
dress on ministerial education. 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 129 

The Association expressed hearty indorsement of the act of 
the Foreign Mission Board in sending out Elder E. Z. Simmons, 
of Mississippi, as a missionary to China, and also recommended 
the Foreign Mission Journal to the membership of the churches. 

The question of forming a general association for South Mis- 
sissippi and East Louisiana was being agitated at this time, and 
on conferring with the Pearl Kiver Association it was agreed to 
designate Friday before the fifth Sunday in October as the 
time and Summit as the place for holding a convention of dele- 
gates. 

The Executive Board reported that they had continued Elder 
W. W. Bolls as their missionary until the close of the year end- 
ing January 1, 1871, and they express satisfaction at the work 
done. The report showed 157 miles, 27 sermons, 10 baptisms and 
$100 worth of books distributed. Treasurer E. B. McLain re- 
ported receipts at $243.05. 



130 



ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 



W. W. Bolls was born near Salem church, Jefferson county, 
Mississippi, December 2, 1827, and died on the 27th of January, 
1896, being in his sixty-ninth year. While he was quite young 
his father died, leaving a widow and six children. The loss of 
his father and the care of the family deprived him of early 
educational advantages. Being of studious habits, however, he 
acquired considerable information by his own efforts. Later he 




W. W. BOLLS. 



attended Howard College, but did not remain to complete his 
course. When about fifteen years old he professed faith in 
the Savior, uniting with Flower Hill church, in Warren county. 
His marriage to Miss Ann Stephens occurred in June, 1846. He 
was licensed to preach in 1851 and ordained in 1853. After his 
ordination he moved to Copiah county, where he was pastor of 
a number of churches, and into whose membership he baptized 
more than a thousand persons. In 1870 he went to Wilkinson 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 131 

county as missionary of the Mississippi Association, where he 
labored two years. His next move was to Amite county, where 
he was again the pastor of a number of churches, and remaining 
some fifteen years. He took a decided stand for prohibition and 
was among the first advocates in the struggle. He was moderator 
of the Mississippi Association for eleven years, viz., 1871, 1872, 
and from 1877 to 1885, inclusive. 

During the latter part of his ministry Mr. Bolls moved back 
to Jefferson county and was pastor of Fellowship and Rodney 
churches. One who knew him well pays this tribute to his 
memory : ' i He was a man of great consecration and never failed 
to meet his appointments if it was possible for him to "do so. 
The Lord greatly blessed his efforts, and I think he baptized 
about two thousand persons.' ' 

Mr. Bolls was buried at Utica, Miss., Pastor I. H. Anding 
conducting the funeral service from the Utica Baptist Church. 
Thus there passed from earth another faithful servant of God 
who had stood before thousands of men and women pleading for 
repentance and salvation. 



132 



ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 



Wilford Z. Lea was born in Amite county, Mississippi, De- 
cember 27, 1816. He professed religion in 1841, and for sixty- 
five years was a member of the church at Liberty. In 1842 he 
was married to Miss Rachel Powell, who was to him a faithful 
and devoted companion, preceding him to the spirit world but 
a few years. It was also in 1842 that he located near Liberty, 




WILFORD Z. LEA, SR. 



Miss., where he spent his long and eventful life. Here he saw 
the changes and seasons of more than six decades of years, and 
here he traveled the same road to church with a regularity that 
has seldom been equaled. Here he farmed, raised his children 
and entertained his friends, including many preachers. And 
here his long life came to its close December 20, 1906, lacking 
seven days of having reached the ninetieth milestone. Mr. Lea 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 133 

was diligent and faithful in his church relations, serving as clerk 
thirty years and as deacon for more than fifty years. He was 
an active worker in this Association, serving on committees and 
boards, and was also the treasurer for many years. When he 
was born the Mississippi Association was ten years old, and he 
lived to see the centennial year of its history, but was too feeble 
to attend its celebration. A moment's reflection will suggest 
that twenty-one men, with lives as long as Mr. Lea's, would reach 
back to the time when Christ was on the earth. 

Our friend delighted to talk on religious subjects, and, having 
been a constant reader of good books and periodicals, as well as 
the Bible, was intelligent and well-informed. He was a strong 
advocate of giving the gospel to the whole world, and continued 
to send his contributions to the end. A short while before his 
death he said: "I am like a man on his way home, waiting at 
the depot; I am listening for the whistle." 

Mr. Lea served his day and generation according to the will 
of God, and, like the patriarchs of old, was gathered to his 
fathers. 



134 



ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 



E. B. McLain, of Gloster, Miss., was born in 1829, and for 
more than fifty years has been an active and useful Christian, 
He has led a busy life, and has had large success in a financial 
way . He has stood for civic righteousness and religious progress, 
being a liberal contributor to the various objects fostered by the 
denomination. He has reared a large family, Congressman F. 
A. McLain being one of his sons. A friend of his says : 




E. B. McLAlN. 



"Amidst all the busy cares of his strenuous life, he has never 
lost sight of the fact that his first duty is to God spd the cause 
of Christ. Few men in the State have given more money to the 
Baptist cause than he, and he has doubtless given more for the 
building of Baptist churches than any man in Mississippi. His 
influence will live on, and old Galilee church will be the greatest 
monument that will ever be erected to his memory." 

Mr. McLain has been closely connected with this Association 
for many years. He seldom misses one of its meetings, and 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 135 

takes an active interest in all its work. He also frequently at- 
tends the State and Southern Baptist Conventions. He is a 
warm friend of Mississippi College, the Baptist Orphanage and 
the religious papers. He has been identified with many illus- 
trious laymen and preachers who have left their impress on the 
world for good. And, like these, he will be known in history 
for his work's sake. 



1872 The Association convened this time with New 

Providence church, the opening sermon be- 
ing preached by W. "W. Bolls. The reading clerks were C. H. 
Otken and A. S. Germany. Twenty churches were represented, 
and the body was organized by the re-election of W. W. Bolls, 
Geo. F. Webb and W. Z. Lea, moderator, clerk and treasurer, re- 
spectively. Elders Solomon Buffkin and C. H. Otken were ap- 
pointed to preach on the Lord's day, the former to deliver the 
missionary sermon at 11 a. m. and the latter to preach at 2 p. m. 

Reports on Mississippi College, Orphans' Home, ministerial 
support, Sunday schools and temperance were received and con- 
sidered. Hearty sympathy was expressed with the effort to en- 
dow the college, and the agent, Elder M. T. Martin, was wel- 
comed to the churches. 

At this meeting a letter was received from J. W. Felder, who 
was suffering a serious affliction, concerning a plan for raising 
mission funds, which plan was adopted by his father, the late 
Chas. Felder and operated successfully in his day. After ex- 
pressing much interest in the cause of missions, believing it to 
be the most important part of the Association's work, Mr. Felder 
said : ' ' I am now on a bed of affliction, waiting for the summons 
to a better world. My faith in Christ is unshaken. I have no 
special anxiety to remain here. ,, 

The report on obituaries mentions the death of James B. Quin, 
a deacon in the Summit church, and who was long the treasurer 
of the missionary and benevolent fund of the Associa'tion ; also, 
that of Dr. Wm. P. "Dodd, of Hopewell church. 

The ministers in attendance were : W. W. Bolls, C. H. Otken, 
James Newman, 0. L. Johnston, Solomon Buffkin, H. G. Quin, 
L. Schofield, S. S. Relyea and B. A. Crawford. 



136 ABSTEACT HISTORY OF THE 

1 QyQ Mount Zion, Franklin county, is the place, 

where the saints gather on the 9th of Oc- 
tober. James Newman preaches the Associational sermon from 
Romans, 6 : 11. Eighteen churches are represented, and there is 
a change of officers— viz., S. Buffkin is made moderator; H. H. 
Ratcliff, clerk, and J. R. Sample, treasurer. 

James Nelson was received as Corresponding Secretary of the 
Board of Ministerial Education, and R. H. Purser came from 
the Union Association. Mr. Purser was engaged in mission 
work at this time, and business was suspended to hear a report 
from his field. 

By special motion, the body adjourned to hear a sermon by 
Elder S. A. Hayden, who preached from I John, 4: 19. This 
was on Thursday. 

A tract on baptism had been written by J. R. Sample, and the 
matter of raising a fund to have same published was presented 
by S. S. Relyea, the sum of $50 being secured. 

The death of James W. Felder is noted. He was a member 
of East Fork church, and was a useful citizen and a devout 
Christian. He wrote an affectionate letter the previous year. « 

The Executive Board reported that they had appropriated 
the sum of $200 to the Natchez church as a supplement to the 
pastor's salary. They expressed regret that the legitimacy of 
their action had been questioned, and asked that their brethren 
would bear in mind that they were left without instructions, 
and, further, they believed that the wisdom of their action would 
be vindicated by the report of the Natchez church. C. M. Gor- 
don was pastor, who gave the following summary of work: Bap- 
tisms, 31; by letter, 11; books, papers and tracts distributed, 
$70; visits, 400; sermons, 125. The Sunday school had increased 
from twenty to ninety-eight, and the church was sustaining a 
young preacher at Mississippi College. 

A committee was appointed, with C. H. Otken as chairman, 
to prepare a biographical sketch of Elder Zachariah Reeves and 
report a year hence. 

The preachers attending this meeting were Jas. Newman, Jas. 
Nelson, E. C. Eager, W. W. Bolls, S. Buffkin, C. H. Otken, Geo. 
A. Hayden, C. M. Gordon, S. H. Thompson, S. S. Relyea, L. 
Schofield, S. A. Hayden, R. H. Purser and O. L. Johnston. 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 



137 



Solomon Bufflrin was born April 21, 1832, and died Decem- 
ber 20, 1877, being less than forty-six years of age. His early 
educational advantages were limited. By close application, how- 
ever, he trained himself to think, and, having great energy and 
earnestness, he became an efficient minister of Jesus Christ. In 
1851 he was married to Miss Elizabeth Carlile. To them eighf 
children were born, most of whom preceded him to the other 




SOLOMON BUFFKIN. 



world. In the spring of 1854 he united with the Antioch Bap- 
tist church, Copiah county, and in the same year was licensed 
and ordained to the ministry. The first part of his ministry 
was given to serving churches and to labor in the field. He did 
not receive an adequate support from his ministerial work, and, 
feeling that he must provide for his own family, was driven to 
the farm. He was absent from his home and family much of 
the time, having to travel from twenty to thirty miles to reach 
his churches, and having to encounter the danger of crossing the 
(10) 






138 ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 

Homochitto and other large streams. At one of these crossings, 
on one occasion, he lost a valuable horse, and came near losing 
his own life. 

Mr. Bufflrin was fond of singing, and was remarkably gifted 
in this respect. With him it was a favorite engagement of wor- 
ship, and for this many would go to hear him preach. He was 
also a working missionary Baptist. It is said that he did more 
to arouse a missionary spirit in the Mississippi Association than 
any other man. He traveled and made speeches and preached 
sermons to get the churches to do something for missions, thus 
proving his interest and zeal in behalf of a lost world. 

He passed away at his home some three miles north of the 
present town of- Roxie, Miss., and was buried at Union church. 
His grave is marked by a monument erected by Union, Hopewell, 
Mount Zion and Galilee churches, which churches he served up 
to the last of November prior to his death in December. 

Mr. Bufflrin is pleasantly remembered by many Christian 
friends, who speak of him in high terms as a faithful servant 
of God. 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 



139 






H. H. Ratcliff was born near where the present town of Glos- 
ter stands, June 7, 1835, and is now living within one and a half 
miles of the place. His first marriage was to Miss Fannie Jen- 
kins, June 8, 1858. To them were born twelve children, all liv- 
ing except one, and- most of whom are members of Baptist 
churches. Two of his sons are prominent lawyers, B. H. and 
C. V. Katcliff. The former was District Attorney for eight con- 




H. H. RATCLIFF. 



secutive years prior to 1904, whi]e the latter was a member of 
the Mississippi State Senate from 1904 to 1908. 

Mr. Ratcliff professed religion in 1861, uniting with the church 
at Liberty, Miss., and has ever been an uncompromising believer 
in Baptist doctrine. He is now more than threescore and ten 
years old, but is still in active life, being able to attend his 
weekly prayer-meeting and church services, in which he takes a 
great interest. 

In 1889 he experienced his first great sorrow in the death of 
his wife, with whom he had lived happily for nearly thirty-two 



140 



ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 



years. His second marriage was to Miss Fannie Longmire, March 
15, 1891. He is the present Mayor of the city of Gloster, and 
for twelve years has been the clerk of his church. He has long 
been active and influential in the meetings of the Mississippi 
Association, being clerk of the body in 1873 and 1874, when 
Elder Solomon Buffkin was the moderator. 

Concerning his religious life, Mr. Ratcliff says : 
"I have failed to be as useful as I should have been. Forty- 
seven years a member, and so little done when so much was to 
be done. For the last twenty-three years, however, I have been 
more faithful to my Christian vows, and have endeavored to walk 
more closely to my Heavenly Father." 




J. R. SAMPLE. 



J. R. Sample was born January 22, 1840, and spent the most 
of his youth on the farm, receiving such education as the com- 
mon schools of the country afforded. He studied medicine in 
the office of his father, Dr. John Sample. He attended the medi- 
cal school in New Orleans during the session of 1860 and 1861. 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 141 

This was the period of secession, and, on returning home the fol- 
lowing spring, he joined a volunteer company at Meadville, Miss., 
entering the service as orderly sergeant of the company. Having 
devoted much time to the study of medicine, and being desirous 
of continuing in this profession, he sought and obtained the ap- 
pointment of field hospital steward, and was ordered to report 
to the Seventh Mississippi Regiment for duty. In this capacity 
he served until the close of the war. In 1865 and 1866 he again 
attended the medical school in New Orleans, receiving a diploma 
as M. D., after which he located at Liberty, Miss. At this time 
Dr. Sample was a member of the Methodist church. In the fall 
of 1866 he was married to Miss Ary Robinson, a devout Chris- 
tian and a Baptist. This alliance naturally brought him into 
••Joser relationship with Baptist people, and led him to investi- 
gate more closely the teaching and polity of Baptist churches. 
This resulted in his uniting with the Liberty Baptist church in 
1870, being baptized by Elder T. J. Drane. The following year 
he was ordained to the deaconship, in which capacity he has 
continued to serve. Being a man of good writing ability, and be- 
ing fully convinced as to what constitutes Scriptural baptism, 
he was appointed, soon after uniting with the church at Liberty, 
to prepare an essay on the subject, "What Is Baptism?" This 
was his first experience in writing anything of a theological na- 
ture. The essay was well received, and the Association ordered 
one thousand copies published in tract form for general distri- 
bution. Since that time he has written much for the religious 
papers, and is regarded as authority on questions of doctrine 
and church polity. 

Dr. Sample located in Summit, Miss., in 1877, where he has 
continued to reside, and where he has held positions of honor 
and trust. He is a stanch advocate of prohibition and a thor- 
ough Baptist. In 1873 he was elected treasurer of the Associa- 
tion, and held the office five years. 



142 



ABSTEACT HISTOEY OF THE 



Lorenzo Schofield was born in the State of Connecticut, July 
4, 1814. He was the youngest in a family of four sons and two 
daughters. He came with his parents to Indiana about 1819. 
Here he spent his childhood and youth amid the rude conditions 
of that early date. His schooling was such as the young child 
at that time received. His father died when he was but six 
years old, and he was raised under the care of his mother, Ruth 
Schofield. He professed faith in Christ and united with the Bap- 
tist church at Connersville. Ind.. while yet a boy. 




LORENZO SCHOFIELD. 



Mr. Schofield came to Clinton. La., in 1833. Here he was li- 
censed to preach, and afterwards was ordained to the full work 
of the ministry by the Clinton Baptist church. His first pas- 
torate was at Fort Adams. Miss. From there he moved to Louisi- 
ana, locating in Avoyelles parish, where he was the instrument 
in God's hands in organizing the Bayou De Glaize Baptist 
church, which, in the course of years, became a strong and in- 
fluential body, and of which he was the pastor. While here he 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 143 

was married to Miss Elizabeth Ann Phelps, a native of New 
York. With the exception of a few years in Illinois, he spent 
all of the time in this part of Louisiana until after the war be- 
tween the States. During these years he served a number of 
the then weak churches of Western Louisiana. In 1871 he 
moved to Liberty, Miss., and spent the remainder of his life in 
Amite and Pike counties. During this time he was pastor at 
Liberty, New Providence, Spring Hill, Galilee, Mount Vernon, 
Ebenezer and East Fork. He passed away at Summit, Miss., 
where his slumbers of the grave are undisturbed, while he waits 
the call of the resurrection morning. 

Mr. Schofield was a close student of the Bible, well versed in 
doctrine, and a thorough Calvinistic Baptist. 



1 R74 ® n the ^th of October the Association met in 

the sixty-eighth session with East Fork 
church. C. H. Otken delivered the introductory sermon from 
I Cor. 9: 14, "Even so hath the Lord ordained that they who 
preach the gospel should live of the gospel." This remark is 
made of the sermon: "The subject of ministerial support was 
traversed from this text with great earnestness and ability." It 
may be said that Mr. Otken was taking advanced ground for 
stipulated salaries for pastors, something the churches had not 
very generally adopted. 

The reading clerks at this meeting were W. H. Tucker and 
J. R. Sample, and the officers of last year were re-elected. 

The privilege to lecture on the "Tabernacle and Customs of 
the Israelites" was granted Elder C. H. Otken for Sunday morn- 
ing at 10 o'clock. Elders Solomon Bufflrin and W. H. Tucker 
were appointed to preach, the former in the morning and the lat- 
ter in the evening. 

This query was submitted for consideration: "Should church 
action, when done in a call conference, be regarded as valid 
when said action has a tendency to conflict with or repeal an 
action of a regular conference?" The committee, L. Schofield, 
J. R. Sample and M. Jackson, answered the query in the nega- 
tive, and their report was adopted by the body. 

The General Association of South Mississippi and East Louisi- 
ana, previously mentioned, had been organized, but was not 
meeting with universal favor, as four of the churches (Hope- 
well, Sarepta, Union and Mount Zion) gave notice in their let- 



144 ABSTEACT HISTORY OF THE 

ters that their connection with the General Association was dis- 
solved. The action of these four churches was referred to a 
committee, who reported that, while a majority of the churches 
had expressed a desire, in connection with other associations, to 
form such a general organization, still no church was compelled 
to co-operate with the General Association that did not wish to 
do so. A large delegation was appointed to attend the next 
meeting of this general body, but the time and place are not 
given. Those selected were: C. H. Otken, L. Schofield. S. H. 
Thompson, W. W. Bolls, B. H. Jenkins, H. G. Quin, W. Z. Lea, 

McNulty, J. R. Sample, W. J. Everett, H. H. Ratcliff, E. B. 

McLain, M. Jackson, James Newman, R. S. McLain, James Bates, 
S. E. McDonald and James E. Lea. 

The report of the Executive Board showed that no mission 
work had been done for the want of funds. Only two churches, 
Liberty and Ebenezer, had sent the Board any money, which 
had been returned, as the amount was not sufficient to be used 
to advantage. R. T. Rice was chairman and J. R. Sample sec- 
retary. A resolution was passed, requesting the churches to 
notify this Board by December 1st whether they were willing to 
take quarterly collections for missions. It appears that there 
was very little interest in the churches at this time on the sub- 
ject of the great commission. 

Good reports were made on ministerial education, Mississippi 
College, the Lauderdale Orphans' Home, religious publications, 
etc. 

There has been a noticeable change in the proceedings of the 
Association during the last few years. Leading men, both preach- 
ers and laymen, were feeling the need and importance of greater 
efficiency and larger giving on the part of Christian people. But 
the question was how to reach and interest the masses. It may 
be observed that this is still a vital question, and, while gratify- 
• ing advance has been made, the matter of Christian develop- 
ment and efficiency yet calls for study and prayer. 

The pastoral relations this year were as follows : J. A. Snyder 
served Damascus • James Newman preached for East Fork, New 
Providence and Zion Hill; L. Schofield was bishop of Ebenezer; 
W. H. Bailey served Friendship and Ramah; Solomon Buffirin 
ministered to Galilee, Hopewell, Union and Mount Zion ; W. W. 

Bolls was pastor at Liberty and Percy's Creek; Morris 

served New Hope; A. L. Travillian preached for Sarepta, and 
C. H. Otken was bishop at Summit. 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 



145 



A lengthy and well-written biography of Zachariah Reeves 
appears in this year's minutes from the pen of C. H. Otken, 
from which quotations have already been made. 

A total of 131 colored members was reported this year, show- 
ing that they had not all left the white churches up to this date. 




JAMES NEWMAN. 



James Newman was born near Liberty, Miss., December 27, 
1826, and died at Clifton Mills, Texas, November 9, 1884, being 
only fifty-eight years old. He was a veteran of the Mexican war. 
but how long he served is not known. On the 22d day of May, 
1850, he was married to Miss P. E. Davis, of Copiah county, 
Mississippi, who still survives (1908), and who has been a faith- 
ful wife and a devoted mother. Ten children were born to them, 
seven sons and three daughters, several of whom have crossed 
over to the other shore. 

Mr. Newman professed religion in 1856, uniting with the 
Providence church, in 'Copiah county. He began the work of 



146 ABSTKACT HISTORY OF THE 

the ministry the following year, attending Mississippi College 
during the session of 1857-58. His ordination occurred at Beth- 
any church, Copiah county, in 1858, the ordaining council heing 
composed of Elders William Mullins, R. R. Lunn and others. 
He preached in this county during the seventies, being pastor 
at Wesson, Brookhaven and other places. He afterwards came 
to Amite county, and served East Fork, Mars Hill, New Provi- 
dence, Zion Hill, Mount Vernon, and, perhaps, other churches. 
It is said that it was the request of Elder Zachariah Reeves that 
Mr. Newman should be his successor in the field he had so long 
occupied. As a pastor he was successful, sometimes baptizing 
as many as fifty persons at one church during the year. In 1880 
he moved to Texas, and was actively engaged until the time of 
his departure in 1884. His death came suddenly. He had 
preached an able sermon at night, and passed away within a 
few hours, his wife being with him. And it is here at Clifton 
Mills, Texas, that his body awaits the day of final redemption. 
One of Mr. Newman's sons, a namesake, is an active and use- 
ful minister in the far West, while two others, 0. D. and W. M. 
Newman, Amite county, are deacons. "Them that honor Me 
will I honor." 

1 Qyn This meeting was held with the Liberty 

church, October 9th to 11th. W. W. BolJs 
delivered the introductory sermon from Jeremiah, 31: 7. S. 
Buffkin was chosen moderator; A. J. Everett, clerk; and J. R. 
Sample, treasurer. 

B. A. Crawford, T. J. Everett and Jas. A. Jenkins came as 
messengers from the Bogue Chitto Association; A. J. Going, 
H. C. Perkins and S. A. Hayden from the Mississippi River; 
J. R. Farish from the Fair River; S. S. Relyea from the East- 
ern Louisiana, and J. A. Hackett from the Central, and as 
agent for the centennial movement. Elders L. Schofield, J. A. 
Hackett and J. R. Farish were selected to do the preaching on 
the Sabbath. 

Resolutions were adopted, first, that it was the sense of the 
Association that contributing to the Lord's cause is an act of 
worship; second, that J. A. Hackett, agent of the centennial 
movement, be invited to come and hold mass meetings in the 
churches for the purpose of arousing the membership and 
taking collections to endow Mississippi College; third, that T. J. 
Walne, Corresponding Secretary of the State Mission Board, be 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 147 

invited to visit the Associational territory in the interest of 
State missions. 

The Executive Board again complained of a lack of interest 
on the subject of missions. They had received only $45.15, this 
amount being contributed by six of the churches. Elders S. H. 
Thompson and R. J. McNeil had been employed, the former for 
Pioneer and Dixon's Creek, and the latter for Spring Hill and 
Homer Hill. Mr. Thompson reported that God had blessed his 
labors by adding many to the churches in his field. Mr. McNeil 
stated that his congregations were generally good and attentive, 
and particularly at Homer Hill there were old men who had 
never heard a sermon from a Baptist preacher. 

The want of interest among the churches was greatly deplored 
by leading brethren, though they seemed to recognize that the 
prevailing conditions were due, in large measure, to the effects 
of the late war. The Committee on Home Missions, of which 
W. Z. Lea was the chairman, had this to say on the subject : 

"There never was a time since Jesus was on the earth when 
the Macedonian cry was heard from almost the whole world as 
now. Domestic missions within onr bounds, State missions and 
Indian missions are all loudly calling for help, and we are 
bound by our allegiance to Jesus, to the extent of our ability, 
to respond to all. Further, for years the people of God have 
been so illy able to meet these demands. In view of these facts, 
in the opinion of your committee, now is the time to practice 
self-denial — to cut off many of the luxuries and superfluities of 
life— to enable us to contribute to the Lord's cause." 

The report on foreign missions makes similar complaint as 
follows : 

"As far as we were able to ascertain, our churches have made 
no contributions to sustain the preaching of the gospel in for- 
eign fields; our churches take no interest in this matter. This 
is the lamentable truth. It is to be feared that our pastors are 
most culpable for the listlessness prevailing in our churches upon 
this subject. The old maxim is true in this particular: 'Like 
priest, like people. ' " 

A fine report appears on the "Centennial Movement' ' from 
the gifted pen of J. A. Hackett, as follows : 

"The American people propose to celebrate next year (1876) 
as the centennial of our national independence. We think it a 
wise conclusion. After one hundred years of such unprecedented 
prosperity, we ought, as a people, to make merry and give 



148 



ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 



thanks. We think it fitting, and right, also, for ns as a denom- 
ination to come fully out of our obscurity and celebrate the cen- 
tennial of our blood-rescued heritage of religious liberty. This 
centennial idea is unquestionably a great thought. God has done 
great things for us, for which we should make fitting return, 
and how could we better show our gratitude to Him for His 
goodness than by a memorial offering of benevolent gifts; and 
we know of nothing calculated to reach farther down the com- 
ing ages, or to be of greater benefit to generations yet unborn, 
than the permanent endowment of education." 

The effort to endow Mississippi College was to be made dur- 
ing this centennial year, and the Association expressed hearty 
sympathy with the undertaking. 




S. H. THOMPSON. 



S. H. Thompson was born near Liberty, Miss., March 15, 1824. 
He was converted at the age of fourteen, uniting with New 
Providence church in 1844, and was baptized by Chas. Felder. 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATIOiN. 149 

He served through the four years of civil war, making a brave 
and faithful soldier. His war record contains many amusing 
stories and incidents, and he is remembered by his few remain- 
ing comrades with special interest. His bravery and hopeful 
disposition inspired many a weary soldier on the long marches 
and by the campfires. For nearly or quite forty years he has 
been a soldier in another cause, and in this, as in the other, has 
seen much hard service. It has been his lot to travel long dis- 
tances, to preach in destitute communities, and to organize new 
churches. He has labored in Amite, Pike, Wilkinson and Frank- 
lin counties, and in St. Helena parish, Louisiana. For a num- 
ber of years he was missionary of the Mississippi Association, 
working for small compensation, and his reports were well re- 
ceived by his brethren. 

Mr. Thompson is a man of original thought and ready wit, 
and many anecdotes are told in connection with his long life. 
He is now in his eighty-fifth year, and is almost totally blind. 
Notwithstanding this affliction, he has seldom missed a meeting 
of the Association to the present time, and perhaps no one en- 
joys the fellowship and exercises of these meetings more than he 
does. He will be long and kindly remembered for his works' 



1 R7fi ^^ e Pl aoe °^ meeting was Union church, 

Franklin county, and the time October 7th, 
8th and 9th. This was the centennial of American independence 
and of religious liberty, and it was so recognized on the front 
page of the minutes. 

James Newman preached the opening sermon from Psalms, 
73: 24, "Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel and afterward 
receive me to glory.' ' 

Twenty-one churches were represented, and the body organ- 
ized by choosing Solomon Buffkin moderator, Chas. C. Nanck 
clerk, and J. R. Sample treasurer. After organization the newly- 
elected clerk presented the Association with a gavel made from 
the wood of an oak tree which once overshadowed Salem, the 
first Baptist church constituted in Mississippi. The moderator 
received the gavel in behalf of the Association, expressing thanks 
for the same. This gavel is still in use, and in the coming years 
will doubtless be a most interesting relic. 

Two new churches were received, Dry Fork Union and Provi- 
dence, but their location is not given. 



loO ABSTKACT HISTORY OF THE 

Elders W. H. Robert and James Newman were selected for 
the Sabbath services. 

The Executive Board again complained of the continued in- 
difference in the churches on the subject of missions. They 
asked: "Can a body of baptized believers claim to be the church 
of Christ and neglect this duty?" And they recommended such 
action as would cause the churches to realize the great sin of 
omission in this matter. Gr. "W. Perkins was president of the 
board, and Z. L. Everett secretary. 

The "Tennessee Baptist" and "Southern Baptist" were rec- 
ommended in the report on publications, and the regret was ex- 
pressed that Mississippi had no State paper. Still it was a mat- 
ter for congratulation that steps were being taken by the Missis- 
sippi Convention to establish a State organ. 

The report on abstracts showed the condition of the churches 
to be somewhat encouraging, the work of Elders W. H. Robert, 
S. H. Thompson and R. J. McNeil being especially mentioned. 
E. A. Taylor had held meetings at Union, Galilee, Mount Zion 
and Hopewell, in which many souls had been converted. W. H. 
Robert was the Associational missionary, who reported having 
preached at Woodville, Port Adams, Natchez, Pinckneyville and 
other places. He gave this summary of his work: Miles trav- 
eled, 1,190 ; sermons preached, 212 ; Sunday school and other ad- 
dresses, 59 ; baptisms, 3. 

Some resolutions were passed, declaring the Mississippi As- 
sociation to be missionary in doctrine, and saying she should be 
so in practice, believing that "omissionary" in practice was as 
great an error as "anti-missionary" in doctrine. And the be- 
lief was further declared that Christ's object in establishing His 
church on earth was to evangelize the world. The resolutions 
also complained of the system of doing mission work through 
agents as being too expensive. In this, however, our brethren 
were honestly mistaken, as the wisdom of this system has been 
demonstrated in Mississippi during the past thirty years. 



1 R77 ^ e Association meets with Zion Hill church, 

XU ' ' October 13th, 14th and 15th. W. W. Bolls 

discourses from John, 3: 6, "That which is born of spirit is 
spirit." The body organizes by making Mr. Bolls the moderator; 
his son, Judson A. Bolls, clerk, and J. R. Sample, treasurer. 
Mars Hill church is received back into the Association, James 
A. Jenkins being the delegate. 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 151 

S. Buffkin and C. H. Otken did the preaching on the Lord's 
day, and a mission collection was taken, amounting to $9.63. On 
Monday the body adjourned to hear a sermon by B. A. Craw- 
ford. The clerk remarks: "He edified his audience from the 
text, 'Salvation is of the Lord.' " 

The report on publications cordially recommended the 
"Mississippi Baptist Record/' which had lately been launched 
upon the sea of religious journalism. 

The subject of denominational education in South Mississippi 
and East Louisiana was considered in a well- written report by 
W. W. Bolls, chairman. Among other things, the report says: 

"Denominational education is too much neglected. Baptists 
too often send their children to other than their own schools, 
when they could be as well trained, and, in many instances, far 
better. We rejoice at the prospects of having a female school at 
our doors, and would call special attention to the Lea Female 
College, located at Summit. We believe Summit the right place 
for it, and Bro. Otken the right man to preside over it." 

A circular on the Lea Female College was published in the 
miuutes, giving the names of the Faculty, Board of Trustees, 
courses of study, etc. 

No mission work is reported, the Executive Board closing their 
report, with these words: "If the churches composing this As- 
sociation will deposit money in the treasury annually, it will re- 
move all obstacles in our way, and great good will be done. ,, 



1878 ° n the 12fch ° f 0ctober the saints gathered for 

worship and business with New Hope 
church, Franklin county. James Newman was the first preacher 
to be heard, and the body was organized by retaining the same 
moderator and clerk, while W. Z. Lea was chosen treasurer. 

E. C. Gates came as a voluntary messenger from the Union 
Association, and also as representative of the Baptist Record. 

The attendance was small this year, and the clerk was re- 
quested to state in the minutes the reason therefor, which rea- 
son was the prevalence of yellow fever. In a footnote in one of 
the statistical tables the clerk says: "It will be seen that our 
representation was small. The reason was we were more afraid 
of yellow fever than we were the Almighty." The hour of 10 
a. m. on Sunday was designated for special prayer that the rav- 
ages of the disease might cease. And after this prayer-meeting 



132 ABSTRACT HISTORY 0± THE 

Elders W. H. Robert and E. C. Gates preached, the former in 
the morning and the latter in the evening, their texts being, re- 
spectively, Luke, 12 : 15, and Romans, 12 : 21. 

The church at Natchez having failed two years to send mes- 
sengers to the Association, it was agreed to appoint a commit- 
tee of ministers and deacons to visit them with a view to giving 
any assistance that might be practicable. 

The Executive Board reported that they had only $60 with 
which to operate this year ; but they had employed Elder S. H. 
Thompson to preach in Wilkinson county. He had baptized 
fourteen persons, and others were waiting the ordinance. Mr. 
Thompson had been preaching in that locality four years, re- 
ceiving an average of $52 a year for his services; and during 
this time he had constituted three churches. 

The delegates present were requested to exert themselves in 
their respective churches in the cause of missions, and to make 
the effort to raise at least twenty-five cents apiece from the mem- 
bership. 

A good report on temperance was adopted, closing with these 
words: "We would urge upon the Association the necessity of 
keeping it before the churches, and before the world also, that, 
to be a good Baptist, a man must be sober.' ' 

Not only was there a gloom over the Association this year be- 
cause of the prevailing scourge of yellow fever, but another sor- 
row had come in the death of the beloved Solomon Buffkin, who 
had been a familiar friend in the councils of the body for a num- 
ber of years, and who had also served as moderator. The re- 
port on obituaries also notes the departure of W. H. Gunby and 
James E. Lea, and of Sisters Elceba Bates, Elizabeth Everett, 
Martha A. Robinson and Nancy Sullivan. These members are 
spoken of with much affection and esteem, and the Association 
expressed sincere condolence with the different families. 

The report on publications warmly commended the Baptist 
Record, published at Clinton, Miss., by M. T. Martin, and edited 
by J. B. Gambrell. 

The following is a list of the pastors and churches for 1878: 
Z. Loften served Damascus and Ramah ; Jas. Newman ministered 
to East Fork and Mars Hill; Thomas Lansdell was pastor of 
Ebenezer; W. W. Bolls preached for Galilee, Liberty, Zion Hill 
and Mount Zion; J. P. Hemby served Hopewell and Union; 0. 
L. Johnston was bishop of New Providence; W. H. Robert 
preached for Percy's Creek and Fort Adams; A. L. Travillian 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 



153 



ministered to Sarepta ; W. E. Tynes was bishop at Summit; S. 
H. Thompson preached for Pioneer, and E. Young served Provi- 
dence. The church at New Hope, where this meeting was held, 
had no pastor this year. 

A good report on "Systematic Benevolence" was adopted, 
written by A. S. Turner, of Mars Hill, as follows: 

"We believe that the church of Christ was constituted on a 
system or basis by which not only the spiritual man or soul 
could be benefited by the preaching of the gospel, but that the 
gospel could be carried into all nations, and that it not only 
looked to the spiritual interests of man, but to his temporal wel- 
fare also; and we further believe that any church failing to 
carry out these designs is not living up to the gospel require- 
ments. ' ' 




THOMAS LANDSELL AND WIFE. 



Thomas Lansdell was born in Northumberland county, Vir- 
ginia, January 8, 1830. His early education was limited, con- 
sisting of only two years in school. While yet a boy he was clerk 
(11) 



154 ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 

in a store, when he began to read and study for himself. In 
this way he acquired a good education and became well in- 
formed. He was reared a Methodist, but at the age of twenty- 
two united with the Fairfield Baptist church. In 1854 he went to 
Terrell county, North Carolina, to teach school, and was there 
licensed to preach. In 1855 he accepted an appointment from 
the Board of the North Carolina Convention to preach at Tar- 
boro, in that State. While there he was married to Miss Har- 
riet Lawrence, who still survives, and who has been a faithful 
companion, sharing with her husband the joys and sorrows of 
life. Being herself a pious and well-informed woman, she has 
been active in Sunday school and church work. Many sorrows 
have come to their home, as seven out of ten children have 
crossed the river of death. 

Mr. Lansdell was called to Hillsboro, N. C, in the latter part 
of 1855, and was here ordained to the full work of the ministry. 
He was next called to serve two churches in Virginia, High Hills 
and Hebron, and remained here three and a half years. His 
next move was to Cheneyville, La., where he was pastor thirteen 
years. He then went to Williamsport, La., remaining one year. 
In 1875 he moved to Clinton, La., and served as pastor of the 
Clinton, Jackson and Hepzibah churches. He was called in 1878 
to Ebenezer church, Amite county, where he served two terms 
as pastor; in all, seventeen years. During this time he served 
New Providence church for sixteen years. Other churches that 
had his services were Norwood (La.), Woodland, Bethel, Union 
and Amite River. In 1885 the death of his daughter's husband 
made it necessary for him to move to her home near Ebenezer 
church, where he spent the remainder of his life. Here, on the 
24th of February, 1908, after a long decline, he passed away at 
the age of seventy-eight years. His last audible prayer was: 
"May I soon be with the angels." 

Mr. Lansdell was modest and painstaking, and, withal, an 
excellent and useful preacher. He rests from his labors and 
his works follow him. 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 



155 



Walter E. Tynes was born in Marion county, Mississippi, July 
13, 1848, and was reared mainly in the adjoining territory of 
Pike county and Washington parish, Louisiana. His early edu- 
cation was received in the country schools, and later in the Osyka 
Academy, at Osyka, Miss. He was baptized into the fellowship 
of Mount Hermon Baptist church in 1866 by the late Chas. Fei- 



i 




WALTER E. TYNES, D. D. 



der Crawford, who was assisting the pastor, Willis J. Fortin- 
berry, in a series of meetings. He studied law under the Hon. 
John T. Lamkin at Holmesville, then the courthouse town of 
Pike county, and, by special courtesy, was admitted to practice, 
in 1868, before attaining his majority. While engaged in the 
study of law the previously-felt call to the ministry was deeply 
impressed upon him. Later he located at Osyka for the prac- 



156 ABSTEACT HISTOEY OF THE 

tice of his profession, where he did a successful business, but 
was unable to fix his mind upon the law fully because of his 
conviction concerning the ministry. 

January 11, 1871, he was married to Miss Frances E. T-ate, 
of Pike county, a daughter of Judge T. E. Tate, and on the 24th 
of the following September he was licensed to preach by the 
Osyka Baptist church. March 8, 1872, he was recognized as an 
ordained minister and pastor of the Osyka church, the ordaining 
council being composed of Elders Elias George, S. S. Relyea, 
B. L.' Lea, L. Schofield and 0. L. Johnston. A gracious re- 
vival followed, in which the new pastor was assisted by the late 
James Nelson, of Clinton, Miss., and during which the member- 
ship was greatly increased. He continued to serve as pastor at 
Osyka through 1872 and 1873, preaching also at Tangipahoa, 
Amite City and Greensburg, La. In 1874 he was pastor at 
Jackson, La., and at the Plains, south of Jackson; was inde- 
pendent missionary to Baton Rouge, La., organizing the Baptist 
church there in September of that year. In 1875 and 1876 he 
was independent missionary and evangelist, doing mission work 
and holding revival meetings in seven of the Florida parishes. 

Mr. Tynes next went to Summit, Miss., where he was pastor 
two years— 1877 and 1878. Here his work soon began to prosper. 
The congregations increased, the prayer meeting revived and the 
Sunday school grew. In September of his first year he con- 
ducted a revival meeting in his church for a whole month, dur- 
ing which a number of valuable accessions were added to the 
membership. The same steady progress was made through 1878, 
notwithstanding the prevalence of yellow fever in the State, 
which caused much demoralization in the public mind. 

From 1879 to 1882 he was pastor at Canton, Miss. It was 
during this period that his first great sorrow was experienced. 
On May 2, 1881, his faithful and devoted wife, Mrs. Fannie 
Tate Tynes, was called to her reward on high, leaving three small 
children. With his home broken up and his children with their 
grandparents, he felt that he should take that theological train- 
ing of which he had been deprived by his law course and prac- 
tice. He accordingly resigned his Canton pastorate and spent 
the most of two years in study at the Southern Baptist Theo- 
logical Seminary, Louisville, Ky. The summers were spent 
mainly at the great Chautauqua, New York, and with Prof. W. 
R. Harper, afterwards President of Chicago University. 

In 1884 Mr. Tynes went to Texas, where he has since re- 
mained. His best work there has been as pastor of the First 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 157 

Church, Fort Worth, two years; First Church, Denison, nearly 
seven years, and his present pastorate (1908) with the Calvary 
Church, Houston, nearly six years. 

He was for some time associate editor of the "Texas Baptist 
Herald," and in 1898 he conducted the Bible Study Insti- 
tute in the Louisiana Baptist College, at Mount Lebanon, La. 
Here he was honored with the degree of "Doctor of Divinity." 

His second marriage occurred January 8, 1890, to Miss Marie 
E. Nelson, of Chappell Hill, Texas, who from the day of their 
marriage has laid her life on the altar of sacrifice for her hus- 
band, his children and his work. 

During a ministry of thirty-six years Dr. Tynes has had 
nearly half a million hearers, several hundred conversions, and 
has preached about five thousand sermons. He is a man of re- 
markably fine physique and of splendid attainments. 



1 R7Q Ebenezer was the place of meeting, and the 

• LUiU time October 11th to 13th. The opening 

sermon was delivered by James Newman from Nehemiah, 2 : 18, 
"So they strengthened their hands for .this good work." The 
minute says: "The discourse was a most excellent one, the 
speaker dwelling, among other things, upon the fact that many 
enterprises fail for want of a leader." 

W. W. Bolls and W. Z. Lea were re-elected moderator and 
treasurer, respectively, while Joseph Buckles was made secre- 
tary. One new church, Union, Amite county, was received, 
Elder S. H. Thompson being the delegate. Visiting ministers 
present were: E. C. Eager, B. A. Crawford, J. J. White and 
Thomas Lansdell. 

W. W. Bolls and C. H. Otken preached on tlip Sabbath, the 
former in the morning and the latter in the afternoon, and a 
collection of $27.30 was received. 

The matter of having the minutes published in book form 
from the organization of the Association was again considered, 
and a committee of one, Moses Jackson, was authorized to in- 
quire into the practicability of having the work done. 

A lengthy report on Lea Female College was adopted, in 
which that institution was cordially indorsed and recommended. 
Various other subjects received attention and a "preamble" 
and "constitution" for the Association was presented and pub- 
lished in the minutes. 



138 ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 

The Executive Board reported that they still had the ser- 
vices of Elder S. LT. Thompson as local missionary ; that he had 
traveled over 2,500 miles, baptized twenty persons and consti- 
tuted two churches. They had paid him $114.50 and were ready 
to make it $150. They say: "We believe no other man in the 
Association would perform the same labor for so little compen- 
sation. ' ' 

W. F. Love was in attendance at this meeting as a delegate 
from Liberty, and was chairman of one of the committees. Mr. 
Love rose to distinction, reaching the halls of the United States 
Congress. He died some years °<?o, much inspected and honored 
by his people. 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 



159 







WILLIS J. FORTINBERRY. 

Willis J. Fortinberry was born in Pike county, Mississippi, 
November 28, 1829, being the youngest of a family of ten chil- 
dren. His parents — William and Violette Fortinberry— came to 
Mississippi from South Carolina in 1819. 

He professed faith in Christ in 1851, uniting with New Zion 
Baptist church, and was baptized by Elder Calvin Magee. His 
marriage to Miss Louisa Blackwell, who still survives, occurred 



160 ABSIEACT HISTOKY OF THE 

October 13, 1853, the same minister officiating. During the long 
journey of their married life she was to him a faithful com- 
panion. Seven children were born to them, five sons and two 
daughters. 

He was licensed to preach in 1861 and ordained in 1863, by 
New Zion church, the presbytery being composed of Elders B 
A. Crawford, J. E. Pounds," J. C. Seal and I. N. Pigott. Soon 
after this he was called to the care of this church, in which 
capacity he continued until his death. His time was fully occu- 
pied for this long period, serving four churches, which were 
usually near enough to his home for him to leave Saturday morn- 
ing and return Sunday evening. He labored for small com- 
pensation, yet he did not complain. He felt that his preaching 
was not with "enticing words of man's wisdom," but in the 
power of the Spirit. He preached election and predestination 
as the foundation of man's salvation. In addition to his pas- 
toral work he was moderator of the Magee's Creek Association 
for more than twenty years. His ministry was much blessed, 
nearly 2,000 persons being baptized by him during his ministerial 
career. He also assisted in ordaining twelve ministers, besides 
many deacons. He conducted burial services at thirty-four ceme- 
teries in Pike county, twenty-one in Marion county, eleven in 
Washington parish (La.), and one in St. Tammany parish, the 
total of these funeral occasions being over five hundred. 

Mr. Fortinberry was a man of strong faith and decided con- 
victions and was much loved by his people. He served his home 
church forty-two years, the annual calls being unanimous. It 
will be proper to add that be baptized the compiler of this book 
when the latter was a mere boy. He was also one of the ordain- 
ing council in 1876. 

On the first Lord's day in October, 1905, not being well, he 
'remained at home, snendino- much of the day reading the Bible. 
Soon after retiring at night the summons came and he entered 
the eternal Sabbath. His body reposes within a few hundred 
yards of where he was born. Elders E. M. Schilling and A. F. 
Davis ccnducted the funeral services, the former preaching 
from the text, "Know ye not that there is a prince and a great 
man fallen this day in Israel?" His family and friends have 
erected at the grave a magnificent marble monument, sur- 
mounted with an open Bible, on which his last text is inscribed, 
viz.. I Peter. 1: 5, "Who are kept by the power of God through 
faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time." This 
was his parting message. 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 161 

Charles Felder Crawford departed this life at his home, near 
Beulah church, Tangipahoa parish, La., on the 25th of Septem- 
ber, 1886, at the age of fifty-five years. His father was th«a 
late Jesse Crawford, who named his son for Charles Felder, 
doubtless because of the esteem and friendship he had for his 
pioneer co-laborer. 

Mr. Crawford professed religion in his twenty-first year, 
uniting with Union church, in Pike county. Soon after he 
was married to Miss Frances L. Douglas, who yet survives, and 




CHARLES FELDER CRAWFORD. 

who was to him a devoted wife. They had six children. He 
was a preacher of the gospel for more than twenty-eight years, 
serving a number of churches during this time, some of them 
for quite a long term. Several churches were also constituted 
under his ministry. 

When the Bogue Chitto Association was organized in 1870, 
Mr. Crawford was chosen moderator, holding the office until 
1881, a term of twelve years. His last sermon was preached at 
Beulah church, from the text, "Behold, God is my salvation; 
I will trust and not be afraid, for the Lord Jehovah is my 
strength and my song; He also is become my salvation." Isaiah, 



162 ABSTRACT L^STORY OF THE 

12:2. It was thought to be the best effort of his life. In the 
church cemetery here he waits the Master's coming. Elder Wil- 
liam H. Schilling conducted the service in the presence of a 
sympathizing congregation. A short time before his death he 
remarked: "I am trying to take Job as a pattern in my suf- 
ferings. I have many times spoken and argued of Job's patience, 
but I have never known anything of the trials of affliction till 
now. ' ' 

He had a clear and beautiful voice and was a popular and 
effective preacher. There is published in the minutes of the Bogue 
Chitto Association for 1879 a circular letter from the pen of 
Mr. Crawford on the subject of "Communion," in which the 
Baptist position is well maintained and the objections to re- 
stricted communion fully met. The letter closes in this way: 
"Brethren, in the close, I wish to ask you all a question for 
your consideration. Is it right, and in keeping with the Word 
of God, for churches to commune with intoxicating wine? We 
hope you will consult the Scriptures on this subject." 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 



163 



William H. Schilling was born in Washington parish (now 
Tangipahoa parish), Louisiana, July 9, 1836. He was reared 
on the farm and followed this occupation mainly all his life. 
His educational advantages were limited, being such as the coun- 
try schools afforded. He was married March 10, 1864, to Miss 
Euseba Fortinberry, who yet lives, and who has patiently en- 
dured the triais incident to the preacher and his family. Several 
children were born to them, all of whom are grown. 




WILLIAM H. SCHILLING. 



After the Civil War he came into possession of the old home, 
where he tenderly cared for and supported his aged parents 
during the remainder of their lives. He professed faith in 
Christ and joined the Beulah Baptist church in 1868, remain- 
ing a member here until death. He was licensed to preach by 
this church April 16, 1871, and ordained July 21, 1872, the or- 
daining council being composed of Elders C. F. Crawford and 
H. Z. Jenkins. He never moved from the community in which 



164 ABSTKACT HISTORY OF THE 



he was born and raised, and his ministerial work was with 
churches in the surrounding country, some of them being from 
fifteen to twenty miles away. And the continued prosperity of 
these churches was proof of the efficiency of his work. He rode 
much on horseback, filling his monthly appointments with 
promptness and regularity. He also traveled for several years 
as a local missionary, enduring the hardships and privations 
common to such work. Like many preachers of his day, he 
served for small compensation, supplementing, as best he could, 
the support of his family with his own labor on the farm. 

Mr. Schilling was a man of strong convictions, a clear faith 
and much earnestness. He was much loved by his churches and 
enjoyed their fullest confidence and esteem. He was also greatly 
in demand for funeral services ? preaching during his life at 
eighty-seven different cemeteries. His last sermon was delivered 
one week before his death, his text being John, 3: 17. On the 
29th of March, 1902, he was called to leave the walks of men, 
having fought the good fight and kept the faith. Interment 
followed in the old family cemetery, with Masonic honors. 



1 QQQ This meeting was held with Hopewell church, 

Franklin county, October 9th, 10th and 
11th. Joseph Buckles preached the introductory sermon from 
John, 4 : 23, and the Association was organized by the re-election 
of the same officers. 

The question on the adoption of the new Constitution, pre- 
sented a year ago, came up for consideration. A majority of 
the churches having failed to give their approval, the moderator 
ruled that the Constitution was accordingly rejected. An ap- 
peal was taken from his decision, but the body sustained the 
moderator. 

Three new churches were received, viz. ■ Sand Hill and New 
Salem, in Franklin county, and Homer Hill, in Wilkinson. Wil- 
liam Adcock and K. R. Webb came as delegates from Sand Hill ; 
Thomas Byrd and Joseph Cupit from New Salem, and Richard 
Tillery from Homer Hill. 

Visiting ministers were E. 'C. Eager, B. A. Crawford, I. W. 
East and J. A. Snyder. 

At 11 a. m. on the Lord's day Elder W. H. Tucker preached 
an able and instructive sermon on missions from Matthew, 
28:18 and 19, and a collection of $189.30 in cash and subscrip- 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 165 

tions was received. In the afternoon Elder Thomas Lansdell 
preached from Galatians, 6: 7, on "sowing and reaping." The 
Association requested the sermon for publication and it appears 
in the minutes. 

The matter of erecting a monument to the memory of Richard 
Curtis was discussed in a feeling manner by Moderator Bolls, 
and an offering of $21.85 was made by delegates and friends 
present. Mr. Bolls was also requested to preach a historical 
sermon at the next meeting of the Association, and it was agreed 
to meet hereafter on Friday, instead of Saturday. 

The committee of one appointed a year ago to inquire into 
the practicability of having the minutes published in book form 
reported terms offered by three publishing houses, but stated 
that no funds had been received ; consequently, the work had not 
been done. The committee was continued. 

The Executive Board reported that Elder S. H. Thompson 
was still doing mission work, having traveled about one hun- 
dred and seventy miles a month. The amount paid Mr. Thomp- 
son was $67.72, only six of the churches sending the board any 
money for this purpose. 

The usual reports were discussed and adopted, and Treasurer 
Lea reported receipts at $263.43, including amount on hand last 
year. 

The cash receipts for Lea Female College during the year 
1878 were $3,277.35. The largest givers were: Mrs. Elceba 
Bates, $1,000; Mrs. Margaret Silliman, $1,000, and Mrs. Mary 
R. Lea, $750. 



166 



ABSTKACT HISTORY OF THE 



W. H. Tucker was born in Springfield, La., February 26, 1840. 
At the age of twenty years he was graduated as a physician in 
New Orleans. The war coming on. lie volunteered in Company 
K, Seventh Louisiana regiment, and served as surgeon till the 
close of the strife, mainly in Virginia. 

After the war he gave up the practice of medicine, except oc- 
casionally, and entered the ministry, which calling he followed 
until stricken with paralysis in 1886. The following extract 




W. H. TUCKER. 



from a letter written to 
of interest: 



a friend while still in the army will be 
"Richmond, Va., April 11, 1864. 



" .Esq., 

"Dear Ero. — I confess my negligence. I ought to have writ- 
ten to you lcng ago, and would have done so but for the fact I 
was so sick several days bef:re I left camp, and the wind caused 
my hut to smoke so badlv that I could not write. I even might 



MISSIbolPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 167 

have written to you since I have been in town, but have delayed 
in order that I might convey a bit of intelligence which is to 
me a source of joy. It is this: Know you, my dear friend, I 
was yesterday admitted to membership in the First Baptist 
Church in this city, and on yesterday evening was buried with 
Christ by baptism. The weather was very unpleasant, being 
cold and rain falling fast, consequently not one of my friends 
was present to witness the ceremony. There was not one present 
whom I had ever met before, except Dr. Burrows. Indeed, I 
felt alone with Jesus. This, perhaps, surprises you, and I have 
only to say that it is the result of my deliberations on the sub- 
ject of the relative merits of the different denominations of the 
Christian church, and a small Baptist triumph." 

The religions influence brought to bear upon him in early life 
was not Baptist, as may be seen from the above. 

Returning after the war to Mississippi, Mr. Tucker engaged 
in teaching school at Magnolia, Pike county. He also preached 
here in a temperance hall, rented at his own expense. Salem 
Baptist church, near Magnolia, ordained him to the full work 
of the ministry December 27, 1868, the presbytery consisting 
of Elders J. R. Graves, E. C. Eager and T. J. Drane. 

In 1870 and 1871 he taught school at the Southern Car Works, 
Louisiana, preaching as opportunity offered. In 1872 and 1873 he 
served Sharon, Crawford and Bethesda churches, in North Mis- 
sissippi. In 1874 he traveled in the interest of the Orphans' 
Home at Lauderdale, Miss., and edited a paper called the "Or- 
phans' Home Banner/' He was also pastor at Courtland, Bates- 
ville and Sardis, resigning in 1877 on account of throat affec- 
tion. After the death of Dr. N. W. Wilson, in 1878, Dr. Tucker 
preached the remainder of the year at the Coliseum Place church, 
New Orleans, and for the next year and a half was a mission- 
ary in this city, appointed by the State Mission Board of Mis- 
sissippi. His last work was in South Mississippi, with the fol- 
lowing churches: Summit, New Providence, East Fork, Lib- 
erty, Mount Yernon and Jerusalem. 

He was twice married— first, to Miss Williana Dabney, of 
Brookfield, Va., November 1, 1866; second, to Miss Asenath 
Gordon, of Amite county, December 22, 1880. Two children 
were born to him, one by each marriage, both daughters. 

Dr. Tucker was modest and unassuming and withal was an 
excellent preacher. He was much loved by his churches and 
they prospered under his ministry. He preached with great 
.earnestness, his style being tender and pathetic. 



168 ABSTEACT HISTORY OF THE 

March 24, 1886, he was stricken with paralysis at his home 
near Gillsburg, Miss., and was never strong any more. Here he 
lingered until December 12, 1889, when the Master took him 
away to a happier region. At the girlhood home of his last 
wife his body reposes in the family cemetery. 



1 881 ^ e seven ty- n ft n annual session of the Missis- 

sippi Association was held with the Summit 
church, October 7th to 10th, inclusive, beginning on Friday. Th£ 
present method of giving the names of churches and messengers 
in the beginning of the minutes was begun this year, being for- 
merly given in statistical tables. Elder C. H. Otken preached the 
introductory sermon at 7:30 p. m., Friday. An election by ballot 
resulted in the continued choice of W. "W. Bolls and W. Z. Lea 
for moderator and treasurer, while Elder E. W. Spencer was 
chosen clerk. Two more churches were received, viz., McComb 
City and Siloam. C. S. Fredericks was delegate from the for- 
mer and Thomas Dredden and Thomas Aaron from the latter. 
Visitors from other bodies were : Central Association, J. B. 
Gambrell; Union, J. A. Snyder; Bogue Chitto, D. C. Walker 
and B. S. Turnipseed; Mississippi Eiver, L. S. Piker, S. H. 
Thompson and D. F. Gordon; Fair Eiver, "W. H. Bailey and 
L. H. White; Pearl River, B. A. Crawford; State Mission Board, 
D. I. Purser. 

A fine report on temperance was presented by J. B. Gam- 
brell. Among other things the report says: "It is not neces- 
sary to argue in this report that Christians are required by 
the laws of the Kingdom to be temperate. Nor is it required 
that we argue that Christians are bound to be the friends of 
temperance. And more, we must be, not nominally, the friends 
of this cause, but the earnest, consistent and outspoken advocates 
of temperance, righteousness and judgment. The widespread 
intemperate use of ardent spirits, the desolation, sorrow, vice 
and death following this, the squandering of some $15,000,000 
by the citizens of our commonwealth annually, the danger to 
the good order of society, all call loudly upon every man, woman, 
citizen and Christian to stand firmly by the cause of temper- 
ance." 

At 11 a. m. on the Sabbath, W. W. Bolls delivered the his- 
torical sermon at the Baptist churcb. according to appoint- 
ment, and the same was requested for publication in the "Bap- 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 169 

tist Record." Preaching services were also held at the Method- 
ist and Presbyterian churches during the meeting; by Elders 
Thomas Lansdell, L. S. Piker, J. A. Snyder and D. I. Purser. 

The committee of one, Moses Jackson, continued from last 
year on the matter of publishing the minutes in book form, re- 
ported that there was still no fund on hand for the work. The 
clerk, E. W. Spencer, was appointed to make further investiga- 
tion of the subject. 

It appears that the Association was having trouble at this 
time in getting the delegates to remain through the meeting. 
Hence, this resolution was passed : 

"Resolved, That the churches are hereby requested to send 
no delegates hereafter to the Association that are not willing to 
remain until the entire work of the Association is completed; 
during any one of its annual sessions." 

It might be well to ascertain whether this resolution is still 
in force. 

Elders Thomas Lansdell and S. R. Young were each allowed 
$25 for services as local missionaries, and Elder S. H. Thomp- 
son was paid $50. 

The report on obituaries mentions the. departure of George 
W. Terrell, clerk of East Pork church; Charles Strong and 
Hardy Cain, of Mount Zion; Sylvester Gardner, of New Provi- 
dence; Stephen Jackson, of Galilee; Henry Cupid, of Damascus; 
Andrew Cain, of Zion Hill; also a number of sisters. The re- 
port was written by Elder W. H. Tucker, and closes in this 
way: "Thus, one by one, we are passing away, and it becomes 
us seriously to consider the charge given us by the Master, to 
'watch.' " 



1 882 ^ e sa ^ n * s gather this year with Galilee church 

"" on the 6th day of October. Elder "W. H. 

Tucker preaches the Associational sermon from I Cor. 15 : 58. 
The old officers are retained and the usual committees appointed. 
All the leading subjects fostered by the denomination are now 
considered in well-written reports. 

Elders T. J. Walne and G. B. Rogers are in attendance, the 
former representing the State Mission Board, and the latter Mis- 
sissippi College. L. S. Piker, S. H. Thompson and George H. 
Carpenter come from the Mississippi River Association, and 
Elder A. Sleeper (colored) from the Homochitto. 
(12) 



170 ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 

Pending the adoption of the report on publications, T. J. 
Walne makes a stirring speech in behalf of the "Baptist Rec- 
ord." This is on Saturday, and at this point the body adjourns 
to hear a sermon by Thomas Lansdell. 

The question of publishing the minutes in book form comes 
up for consideration, E. W. Spencer, the last committee, making 
this report: " Former committees have laid before you the cost 
of such work, and repeated effort was made to raise the neces- 
sary funds. I would call attention to the resolution of your 
body in 1847, that resulted in the publication of our minutes to 
that date." An account of this action has already been given 
in the proceedings of 1847. The body seems anxious for the 
republication of the minutes up to this date, and accordingly 
a subscription is made for this purpose by delegates and friends 
present, amounting to $159. And a further agreement is reached 
as follows : ' ' On motion, ordered that a committee of one from 
each church composing the Association be appointed to ascer- 
tain how many copies of a book containing the minutes of this 
Association from its organization to the present time, can be 
sold, and report the same to C. H. Otken, who will have said 
book published, if the amount of said sale will justify ; and that 
he have all that can be made out of the sale of said book for his 
trouble; the price of the book not to be over one dollar with 
paper cover." 

At 11 a. m. on the Lord's day, T. J. Walne preaches to a 
crowded house, and a collection in cash and pledges is taken 
for State missions amounting to $99.85. In the evening at the 
request of Galilee church, a presbytery ordains S. S. Faust to 
the office of deacon. 

A lengthy report on ministerial education appears from the 
pen of Major Webb, one paragraph of which says: "We have 
arrived at a point in our history when the churches and con- 
gregations in most localities desire educated preachers. This 
age of progress forces the conviction that an educated ministry 
is a necessity. We may further venture the assertion that the 
Redeemer's cause demands an enlightened exposition of the 
Scriptures of divine truth, and that this end is beyond the power 
of the uneducated and untrained mind." 

The report on State Missions gives the following items as 
being the aims of the State Board: 

First — "To unify and develop all our churches and associa- 
tions in the work of missions." Second — "To employ and send 






MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 171 

out faithful and efficient men to preach the gospel and organize 
churches in destitute places in Mississippi and East Louisiana.'' 
Third— "To aid feeble churches at important centers of popula- 
tion in securing and supporting efficient pastors." Fourth— "To 
employ suitable men as evangelists to aid pastors in protracted 
meetings and revive weak and declining churches, and to stir up 
and develop the missionary spirit among the churches." 

The committee presenting this report is composed of L. S. 
Piker, W. H. Tucker and T. J. Walne. And the Executive 
Board state that they feel it to be their duty to turn over their 
funds to the State Mission Board. Elder E. P. Douglass, of 
Wesson, Miss., had been laboring since March as colporteur in 
the Fair River and Mississippi Associations. 

The report on abstracts shows the following pastoral relations : 
S. W. East is pastor of Damascus; S. H. Thompson preaches 
for Dry Fork, Union and Siloam; W. H. Tucker is bishop at 
East Fork, Liberty and Summit; Thomas Lansdell serves Eben- 
ezer, New Providence and Union, Amite County; E. W. Spencer 
ministers to Fort Adams, Galilee, Percy's Creek and Woodville; 
C. E. Reed preaches for Hopewell and Union, Franklin county; 
W. W. Bolls serves Mars Hill, Mount Zion and Zion Hill; Z., 
Lofton preaches for New Salem and Ramah, and A. R. Long is 
bishop at New Hope. 

Treasurer Lea reported receipts as follows: Associational 
fund, $77.10; Home Missions, $158.90 ; Foreign Missions, $167.17; 
total, $403.17. 

Another preacher has passed away in the person of Elder E. 
Young. The committee on obituaries regret that they have not 
the facts relative to his life and labors. 



172 



ABSTEACT HISTORY OF THE 



Although never connected with the Mississippi Association 
in official capacity, yet within its bounds W. A. Gill spent a 
number of years and accomplished a work in the cause of Chris- 
tian education that will long live in the hearts of an apprecia- 
tive people. It was this year, 1882, that he established in Amite 
county, by his own efforts and with his own money, the Gillsburg 
Collegiate Institute, a high school which has lived longer and 
accomplished more than any other in this section. Moving his 




W. A. GILL. 

family and business interests from Greensburg, La., his former 
home, to Amite county, he built a splendid village, which took 
his name, and which soon became a center of influence for many, 
miles around. His two eldest daughters were the first prin- 
cipal and music teacher respectively, and he watched the grow- 
ing success of the young institution with joy and pride. The 
school drew large numbers of boarding pupils from the sur- 
rounding country, hence its power was felt in distant com- 
munities. 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 173 

Mr. Gill was a man of much energy and perseverance and 
so had large success in business. He was an uncompromising 
Baptist, faithful in his church relations, being especially liberal 
in the matter of contributions. He was likewise a strong advo- 
cate of temperance and prohibition, doing all in his power for 
the suppression of the "matchless evil." He was enterprising 
and diligent in every good work. For his home and family he 
cherished much affection. With him there was no place like 
home and no company like that of his wife and children. 

Mr. Gill spent the last years of his life in banking, being the 
cashier of the Magnolia Bank, Magnolia, Miss., for ten years, and 
later at Kentwood, La. Several of his family, including his de- 
voted wife, preceded him to the other shore. On January 5, 
1907, with little previous illness, he was called from the busy 
world to that rest which remains for the people of God. His 
memory will be cherished for many years to come. 



1 $$*^ Mars Hill church entertained the meeting this 

year, beginning October 12th. Thomas 
Lansdell delivered the first sermon from John, 14: 15. G. B. 
Rogers and W. H. Tucker were the reading clerks, and the same 
moderator and treasurer were retained, while L. S. Piker was 
selected as clerk. The correspondence was as follows : 

Mississippi River Association, L. S. Piker and A. G. Felder; 
Fair River, W. H. Bailey; Union, Joseph Buckles; Gulf Coast, 
A. C. Crain; Bogue Chitto, B. A. Crawford and J. H. Huckabee; 
Homo Chitto (colored), A. Sleeper and S. D. Jackson; State 
Mission Board, J. B. Gambrell; Mississippi College, G. B. 
Rogers. 

Elder Peter Turner was also present, and was appointed on 
some committees. Elders J. B. Gambrell and L. S. Piker were 
appointed for the preaching service on the Lord's day. And try 
pledges were made for State missions aggregating $881. 

Elder C. H. Otken was continued on republication of the min- 
utes, and it was agreed to make an effort to raise $500 for the 
work. 

A resolution was adopted calling on all Christians, temper- 
ance men and lovers of peace and order to meet in Liberty on 
Thursday, November 1, 1883, the purpose of the meeting being 
the suppression of the liquor traffic in Amite county. Another 
resolution, offered by W. Z. Lea, recommended to the State 



174 



ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 



Mission Board the appointment of Elder Peter Turner as mis- 
sionary on the Mississippi Valley Railroad. 

The ministers present at this meeting were: S. H. Thomp- 
son, W. H. Tucker, Thomas Lansdell, E. W. Spencer, W. W. 
Bolls, Z. Lofton; T. P. Stewart, A. G. Felder, L. S. Piker, 
J. B. Gambrell, G. B. Rogers, W. H. Bailey, Joseph Buckles, A. 
C. Crain, Peter Turner, B. A. Crawford and H. G. Quin, be- 
sides a large number of prominent laymen. On coming to Amite 
county in 1883 the writer of these pages met for the first time 
many of these preachers and laymen, and he will never cease 
to cherish their memory. Alas ! how many of them are gone. 
One is reminded of an open field, with here and there a stand- 
ing tree. "Behold, thou hast made my Hays as an handbreadth 
and mine age is as nothing before Thee." 




L. S. PIKER. 

L. S. Piker was born in East Baton Rouge parish, Louisiana, 
August 24, 1853, and died at Brookhaven, Miss., May 25, 1889. 
He grew up surrounded by Catholic influences, and was convert- 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 175 

ed by reading the New Testament at seventeen years of age. 
He began preaching at nineteen, was ordained at twenty-one, 
and soon became a preacher of marked ability and power. He 
was educated at Centenary and Mississippi Colleges. On Decem- 
ber 20, 1883, he was married to Miss Belle White, of Brook- 
haven, Miss. Two children, both boys, were born to them. He 
filled a number of prominent pastorates in Louisiana, Missis- 
sippi and Missouri, his last one being in St. Louis. His chief 
monument of service was the Baton Eouge church, which 
was built by his long-continued and self-sacrificing labors. He 
gave his time, his money and the strength of his life to build 
a church house in the capital city of his native State. He was 
an evangelist at one time, and his preaching was strong and 
clear, and his views of salvation and human need exceptionally 
good. 

Mr. Piker was tall and commanding in appearance and was a 
popular and effective preacher. He was clerk of the Association 
in 1883. 




A. G. FELDER. 



A. G. Felder was born in Amite county, Mississippi, May 22, 
1847. He enlisted in the Southern army when quite young, 
and on returning home united witB. the East Fork church about 
1865. His marriage to Miss Louisa Williams occurred February 



176 ABSTEACT HISTORY OF THE 

8, 1866. To them nine children were born. He was licensed 
to preach by the Red Bluff (La.) church in 1881, and ordained 
in 1882, the ordaining council being composed of Elders S. H. 
Thompson and R. J. Stewart. He was pastor of a number of 
churches and was blessed in his work, baptizing many people 
and otherwise building up the cause. He was at one time the 
moderator of the Mississippi River Association and filled the 
office well. His death occurred at his home in Gillsburg, Miss., 
August 31, 1887, and was an occasion of great sadness. A few 
minutes before the end he said to those who stood about him: 
"Now, brethren, if you want to see a Christian die, stand by 
and look on." Strong men wept like children as the spirit of 
the preacher left its earthly tabernacle for the regions of per- 
petual day. 

Mr Felder was a grandson of the late Charles Felder, one 
of the pioneer preachers of our country, an account of whose 
life and labors has already been given. 



1 884 ^^ e k' ^y m et this year with New Providence 

church, Amite county, October 10th. The 
opening sermon was delivered by E. W. Spencer, from Ezekiel, 
11: 4. J. R. Sample and T. J. Scott were the reading clerks. 
The same chairman and treasurer were retained, while G. B. 
Rogers, who was then pastor at Woodville, "Wilkinson county, 
was chosen to do the writing. The Natchez church again made 
application for membership, and was received, the pastor, Z. T. 
Leavell, being the messenger. Correspondence from other bodies 
was as follows: Mississippi River Association, A. G. Felder, 0. 
L. Parker and Iverson Morgan; Gulf Coast, A. C. Crain; Cen- 
tral, C. H. Green; Tennessee Convention, E. C. Gates; Missis- 
sippi College, I. H. Anding. 

Elders M. C. Cole, of New Orleans, and H. Woodsmall, of New 
York, were also present, the latter representing the Home Mis- 
sion Society. And he addressed the Association on the sub- 
ject of his work, viz., teaching colored preachers in the South. 

On the Lord's day there was preaching by Elders Z. T. Leavell 
and Peter Turner, the text of the former being John, 14 : 27, and 
that of the latter, Luke, 19 : 10. At the close of the morning ser- 
mon a collection of $44.15 was taken for Valence Street Mission, 
New Orleans. 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 177 

A preamble and resolution were adopted, introduced by E. 
B. Seale, of Union church, charging that Liberty, Zion Hill and 
Siloam churches were tolerating cases of adultery, and serving 
notice that unless the same was corrected it would be the duty 
of the Association to take the necessary steps of withdrawal. 
And these churches were requested to take such action at once 
as would remedy the evil complained of. 

The ladies held a meeting on Monday, led by Miss Emma J. 
Gardner. Talks were made by Miss Gardner, Mrs. C. H. Causey, 
Miss Laura Pugler and Mrs. P. L. Bates. And a collection of 
$9.20 was taken for the Valence Street Mission, New Orleans. 

A resolution was passed renewing the pledges made two years 
ago at Galilee church, to republish the minutes of the Associa- 
tion in book form. 

The report on Mississippi College says: "This session has 
opened well. One hundred and sixty-five students have already 
been enrolled, something in advance of this time last session. 
Bro. I. H. Anding has been secured as financial secretary, and 
has entered vigorously upon his work. His effort will be to raise 
in two years an endowment fund of $25,000, and, in addition, a 
sufficient amount to supplement the tuition fund, so as to sup- 
port a good faculty of teachers." The committee offering this 
report was composed of Z. T. Leavell, W. H. Tucker and J. E. 
Sample. 

A good report on general education was submitted by W. 
B. Kinabrew, T. J. Scott and T. H. Hoff. 

A. G. Pelder was chairman of the Committee on State 
Missions, and Peter Turner of the one on Ministerial Education. 

The report on obituaries makes mention of the departure of 
two more ministers, viz., D. Eby, of Port Adams, and L. Scho- 
field, of Summit, the latter having been a minister forty-three 
years. 

The Executive Board reported that Elder S. H. Thompson had 
served as local misisonary, laboring faithfully in destitute places 
within the Associational territory. George F. "Webb was secre- 
tary of the Board. 

The churches were ministered to this year as follows: 

Liberty and East Fork had W. H. Tucker as their pastor. 

Galilee had the services of E. W. Spencer. 

New Salem had preaching by Joseph Buckles. 

Ebenezer and New Providence were ministered to by Thomas 
Lansdell. 



178 ABSTEACT HISTOEY OF THE 

Percy's Creek. Fort Adams and Woodville had G. B. Rogers 
as bishop. 

Natchez enjoyed the pastoral care of Z. T. Leavell. 

New Hope and Union (Franklin) had G. W. Farmer as 
pastor. 

Mount Zion, Hopeivell, Zion Hill and Mars Bill were served 
by W. W. Bolls. 

New Zion had A. G. F elder as pastor. 

Sarepta was served by T. P. Stewart. 

Summit and McComb City were ministered to by Peter Tur- 
ner. 

Bamah had the services of Z. Lofton. 

Siloam, Providence and Union had preaching by S. H. Thomp- 
son. 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 



179 



O. B. Rogers was born in Westville, Simpson county, Missis- 
sippi, February 28, 1857, and died in Waco, Texas, April 23, 
1906. He was educated at Mississippi College. His ordination 
to the ministry occurred December 23, 1883, in the Baptist 
church at Clinton, Miss., the ordaining council being composed 




G. B. ROGERS. 



of Elders W. S. Webb, J. B. Gambrell, A. V. Rowe, J. W. Col- 
lins, T. J. Walne and George Whitfield. His first pastorate was 
at Woodville, Miss., where he served two years, afterwards ac- 
cepting an appointment by the State Mission Board as mission- 
ary on the Mississippi Valley Railroad. Remaining here two 



180 ABSTEACT HISTORY OF THE 

years, he was called to the care of the First Church of Lake 
Charles, La. Turning his face from his native State to the 
West, he moved with his family to the pastorate of that church. 
It was a great work and prospered much, but still going West, 
he accepted a call from the First Church of Beaumont, Texas. 
Here he labored three years, and then yielding to much pres- 
sure, he undertook the work of financial secretary of Baylor 
Female College, Belton, Texas. President Wilson, in review- 
ing the records of the college, once said to him : "No man ever 
did better or more faithful work for the college than did G. B. 
Rogers." Not being fully in the harness for soul- winning, he 
became dissatisfied and answered a call to the First Church of 
San Angelo, Texas. Serving two years on a far Western field, 
he then turned back, moving to Fort Worth, and took charge 
of the Chapel Car for Texas, under appointment of the Ameri 
can Baptist Publication Society. Residing two years in that 
city, he decided to move his family to Waco for the benefit of 
Baylor University for his children. In the Chapel Car work 
the same spirit that ever dominated in his life still prevailed 
On the railroad, among the railroad men, forgetting self, win- 
ning souls for Jesus, he literally worked himself to death. So 
with six years on Chapel Car "Good Will," his labors on earth 
ended. 

The foregoing sketch of the life and labors of Elder G. B. 
Rogers was furnished by his widow, Mrs. Rogers, of Waco, 
Texas. Writing under date of February 4, 1908, she says: "I 
take great pleasure in furnishing the desired information about 
the life of my dear husband. Under separate cover I send a 
photo of him, and also a little one of the car at one of his 
meetings. Eternity alone will tell of all the good he did among 
the railroad men of Texas. When he died some of them came 
a hundred miles to see him buried. " 

The following lines are taken from, the obituary, published 
by Mr. Rogers' Association in Texas: 

"Powerful in the pulpit, 
"Pious in his daily walk, 
"Patient in much suffering." 

In the midst of a life of usefulness and power, this servant 
of God was cut down, again reminding us that God's ways are 
not as our ways, nor His thoughts as our thoughts. But our 
friend rests from his labors and his works do follow him. 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 



181 




CHAPEL CAR "GOOD WILL." 

Mr. Rogers accepted an appointment by the American Baptist 
Publication Society for this Chapel Car work, February 1, 1900, 
and continued in this service until his death, April 23, 1906. 
The above picture represents him and his car in a meeting at 
Tyler, Texas, where more than one hundred people were con- 
verted. 






182 



ABSTKACT HISTORY OF THE 



Z. T. Leavell was born in Pontotoc county, Mississippi, August 
30, 1847, and grew to manhood in his native State. He was grad- 
uated from the University of Mississippi in 1871. He also took 
a three-year course at the Southern Baptist Theological Semi- 
nary, then located at Greenville, S. C. He professed religion 
when a lad of thirteen. Soon after his graduation in 1871 he 
was licensed to preach, his first charge being at Dalton, Ga. 0a 
July 22, 1874, he was married to Miss Julia Bass, of Macon, Ga, 




Z. T. LEAVELL, D. D. 

who, with two daughters, survives him. He was pastor at Mur- 
freesboro, Tenn., and Oxford, Miss., serving at the latter place 
six years. He was next the financial agent of Mississippi Col- 
lege two years. In 1882 he accepted a call to the Baptist church 
at Natchez, Miss., remaining there five years. 

In 1890 he took charge of the Carrollton Female College, at 
Carrollton, Miss., where he did an effective work, the attend- 
ance of pupils increasing from a small number to one hundred 
and twenty. In 1894 Mr. Leavell resigned the presidency of 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 183 

this school, and accepted the care of the church at Clinton, Miss., 
the home of Mississippi College. His last field of work as a pas- 
tor was at Edwards, Brandon and Madison, Miss. 

As a preacher, Dr. Leavell was safe, sound and able. His 
language was choice and his delivery pleasing. As a writer he 
had few equals. His articles in the religious papers were models 
in thought and diction. He was the author of "Baptist An- 
nals," a book of interest and value. His last work was the 
"Complete History of Mississippi Baptists," published in two 
volumes by T. J. Bailey in 1904. In this work he brought to- 
gether a large amount of information concerning the work of 
the denomination in Mississippi. 

In personal appearance he was handsome, being six feet tall 
and weighing two hundred pounds when in health. On the 12th 
of August, 1904, after a lingering illness, he died at his home 
in Jackson, Miss., in the prime of life, and in the midst of much 
usefulness. Interment followed at Oxford, Miss. 



1 RS^ ^ e Association met with the Woodville 

church, beginning October 9th. The preach- 
ing of the introductory sermon was deferred to 7 :30 p. m., but 
no mention is made of the service. Twenty-seven churches were 
represented, and organization was effected by the re-election of 
W. W. Bolls and W. Z. Lea as moderator and treasurer, respect- 
ively, while Elder R. N. Hall was elected clerk. Centerville 
church was received into the Association. Correspondence was 
as follows: J. B. Gambrell, from the Convention Board; A. C. 
Crain, from the American Baptist Publishing Society; J. C. 
Gadd, E. W. Spencer and D. P. Gordon, from the Mississippi 
River Association; H. S. Archer, from the Tishomingo Asso- 
ciation. 

A committee on disorderly churches was appointed, and the 
hour of 9:30 o'clock on Monday morning was set for the hear- 
ing of the report. 

The various subjects considered by the body, such as missions, 
ministerial education, Sunday schools, publications,' etc., were 
presented in good reports. 

It was agreed to co-operate with the Convention Board at 
Jackson, hereafter doing all mission work through this agency. 

With a view to forming a new association, letters of dismission 
were given Woodville, Union (Amite), Providence, Fort Adams, 



,184 ABSTEACT HISTORY OF THE 

Percy's Creek, Pioneer, Natchez and Dry Fork Union churches. 

The following appointments were made for the Lord's day 
services: Baptist church, 11 a. m., J. B. Gambrell; 7:30 p. m., 
W. H. Tucker; Methodist church, 11 a. m., R. N. Hall; 7:30 
p. m., H. S. Archer. 

It was decided to hold a session after preaching on Sunday 
night, at which there was some confusion as to adjournment, 
the moderator holding that the morning session on Sunday was 
not the proper place or time to arrange for a special session of 
the body ; hence, he could not entertain a motion to adjourn. An 
appeal was taken to the house, and the chair was sustained. 

The Executive Board reported that they had employed Elder 
Peter Turner at a salary- of $500, and that he had preached at 
Centerville, Knoxville, Norwood and Wilson, on the Mississippi 
Valley Railroad. Churches had been organizezd at Centerville 
and Knoxville, and it was expected to organize one at Norwood, 
La., in the near future. 

The committee on disorderly churches reported that Siloam 
church had amicably and scripturally settled her difficulty ; also, 
that other churches besides Zion Hill and Liberty were in dis- 
order from the same cause, and that such disorder had, in some 
cases, existed a long time. Wherefore, it was recommended that 
the pastors should preach at an early day on the New Testament 
law of divorce. And the churches were urged to exercise dis- 
cipline in accordance with the divine law as soon as practicable. 
A letter on the subject of divorce had been received from Dr. 
John A. Broadus, of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. 
This letter is as follows : 

"Louisville, Ky., July 24, 1885. 
"Mr. W.Z.Lea: 

"Dear Bro. — I did not intend to delay so long in answering 
your letter. 

"The case you describe belongs to a class sometimes causing 
great pain in the action necessary to be taken. To me it seems 
perfectly plain that our Lord expressly prohibits divorce, ex- 
cept for the cause of unchastity. When, therefore, two persons 
have been by law divorced on other grounds, and one of them, 
during the lifetime of the other, marries again, I do not see how 
a church can recognize this second marriage, or fail to treat it 
as adulterous. It may sometimes be a very painful action to 
take. 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 185 

"Well-meaning people often confuse in their minds the civil 
and the religions element of marriage, and so may honestly 
think their action allowable in the second marriage, as it is ac- 
cording to the law of the State; bnt it seems to me clearly the 
duty of the church to exclude a member who has entered into 
such a marriage. 

"But some prominent brethren among us incline to the opin- 
ion that Paul, in I Cor. 7, authorizes divorce on the ground of 
desertion— a view from which has been developed, by degrees, 
all the loose divorce legislation of many Protestant countries. It 
seems to me a great mistake to suppose that Paul has changed 
the Savior's law on the subject, when his language means noth- 
ing more than that the Christian partners may live apart (sepa- 
ration, not divorce), if the heathen will not consent to their liv- 
ing together. But it ought to be borne in mind that some Bap- 
tists hold desertion to be a scriptural ground of divorce. The 
view I have taken is also that of Hovey on ' The Scriptural Law 
of Divorce/ where the subject is fully and ably discussed. 

"Yours truly, ' 

1 ' John A. Broadus. ' ' 

At 4 o'clock p. m. on Sunday a woman's missionary meeting 
was held in the Baptist church, presided over by Miss Ellen 
Gibson, President of the Woodville Society. Elder J. B. Gambrell 
addressed the meeting. Sisters C. H. Causey and Katie E. 
Rogers also spoke, and a collection of $4.35 was taken for 
missions. 

Treasurer Lea reported receipts for all purposes of $456.35. 

The nominating committee named as the next Executive Board 
W. Z. Lea, Winchester Everett, W. H. Bates, Wilford Robinson 
and Marshall Lea. 



1886 Jt Was Frida y> October 8th, when the tribes 

assembled at Mount Zion, Franklin county, 
to attend the eightieth annual session of the old "Mississippi." 
The first preacher to be heard was R. N. Hall, whose text was 
Ephesians, 4:3, "Endeavoring to keep the unity of the spirit in 
the bond of peace." Eighteen churches answered the rollcall, 
and some changes were made in the officers, R. N. Hall being 
elected moderator and D. M. Huff clerk, while "Uncle Wilford" 
still carried the Associational purse. Mr. Bolls, the retiring mod- 
CIS) 



186 ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 

erator, and who had been the presiding offifficer since 1877, de- 
livered the gavel to his successor in an appropriate speech. Mr. 
Lea thanked the Association for the continued honor conferred 
upon him. and asked that he be allowed to retire after one 
more year. 

Elder Lewis Ball came from the Convention Board; E. B. 
Seals from the Carey Association, and Elder A. Sleeper (col- 
ored) from the Homochitto, who brought $12.50 in cash to be 
forwarded to Mr. David, a missionary in Africa. 

The matter of unscriptural divorce was still in the minds of 
the brethren, and the air was full of electricity on the subject. 
The moderator called Elder L. Ball to the chair. He then moved 
that the Liberty church should be given further time in which 
to consider the matter, as requested in her letter to the Associa- 
tion, and the same was granted. Mr. Hall then read a paper from 
Mars Hill church, charging Summit and Zion Hill with being in 
disorder, specifying that "they are retaining in their member- 
ship parties who are. from a scriptural standpoint, living in 
adultery." He then made a motion that the delegates from 
Summit and Zion Hill be debarred from any further participa- 
tion in the deliberations of the body. This motion provoked long 
discussion, during which Elder Peter Turner moved to amend 
the motion by declaring the action of the last Association as 
final. J. R. Sample moved to amend the amendment by referring 
the case back to Zion Hill for settlement, which was carried. 
The Summit church, through her delegates, suggested that the 
charges against her be withdrawn, acknowledging the right of 
the Association to inquire into her standing. This was accord- 
ingly done, and a committee of three appointed to further in- 
vestigate the matter, who gave it as their opinion that the Sum- 
mit church would exercise the necessary discipline, and recom- 
mended that no further action be taken. The time of the Asso- 
ciation was occupied with this matter until 11 a. m. Saturday, 
when Moderator Hall resumed the chair. On Monday afternoon 
the following resolution, offered by W. W. Bolls, was adopted: 

"Resolved, That this Association appoint a committee of five 
to memorialize the Baptist State Convention, and, through that 
body, to secure the co-operation of the Baptists in the State in 
petitioning the Legislature to get the repeal of all those laws 
granting a divorce for any other cause than fornication." 

New Hope church sent a query concerning the case of a man 
who was separated from his wife, and who had been licensed to 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 187 

preach. The answer was that it was not the proper thing to do 
to put such a man into the ministry. 

The preaching on the Sabbath was done by Elders L. Ball and 
C. H. Otken, and a mission offering was received, amounting to 
$51.80. 

The Association resolved itself into a committee of the whole, 
J. R. Sample sitting as moderator, and recommended each church 
to raise for the various benevolent objects an amount proportion- 
ate to fifty cents per member. 

The following extract is taken from the report on obituaries: 

"We beg to mention the following— viz., Hampton M. Lea, of 
East Fork church, the oldest deacon, a bright and shining light 
among his brethren. He lived a long life, abounding in useful 
works, and died after a lingering illness of several years' con- 
tinuance, which was patiently endured. His hope in the resur- 
rection comforted him to the last. 

"Bro. Dempsey Cain, of Mt. Zion church, also an old man, be- 
loved by all whose privilege it was to know him. Deacon John 
Nunnery, of New Zion church, also an old man rich in faith. ' ' 

The ordained ministers of the Association at this time were 
the following: Peter Turner, W. W. Bolls, W. H. Tucker, H. 
G. Quin, Thomas Lansdell, S. H. Thompson, Chas. H. Otken, 
R. N. Hall, S. R. Young, T. P. Stewart, Z. Lofton and W. H. 
Weatherly. The licentiates were M. M. Whitney and J. R. 
Mullen. 






188 



ABSTEACT HISTORY OF THE 



R. N. Hall was born and reared in Hinds county, Miss. At 
twenty years of age he enlisted in the Southern Army. In the 
battle of "Seven Pines," near Richmond, Va., he lost his left 
arm and was discharged. Returning home, he was elected pro- 
bate clerk of Hinds county. Being a lawyer, he afterwards 
served as probate judge until he felt called to preach. After 
his ordination to the ministry in 1868 he held a number of pas- 
torates in the Central Association until the fall of 1873, when he 




R. N. HALL. 



was elected agent of the Lauderdale Orphans' Home, and after- 
wards superintendent. He was in charge of this institution in 
1875, when it was suspended. In the spring of 1877 he ac- 
cepted missionary work in the Columbus Association. Later he 
located at Crawford, Miss., and was pastor there and at Brooks- 
ville. Shortly after this his wife died and he was subsequently 
married to Miss Emma Lea, of Liberty, Miss., a daughter of 
W. Z. Lea. 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 



189 



Mr. Hall moved to Atlanta, Texas, in 1891, where he was pas- 
tor three years. He resigned this chnrch to accept a call to Wood- 
lawn, Texas, where he died October 2, 1894, interment following 
in the Woodlawn cemetery. While in Texas he displayed the 
same zeal and earnestness which characterized his earlier life. 
Occasionally he wrote letters from his Western home to the 
Baptist Record, sending good cheer and greeting to his friends. 
He was a man of strong convictions and good preaching ability. 
Mr. Hall was moderator of the Association three years and clerk 
one year. 




D. M. HUFF. 



D. M. Huff was born December 9, 1858, near the present City 
of Gloster. He was educated in the Peabody public school and 
in Prof. J. B. Winn's high school at Summit, Miss. He united 
with the McComb City Baptist church in 1886, and was bap- 
tized by Elder R. N. Hall. 

He was editor and publisher of the Magnolia Gazette from 
1887 to 1900, one of the best local papers in the country. He 



190 



ABSTEACT HISTORY OF THE 



took a prominent part in the prohibition campaign of 1888, 
which resulted in driving the saloons from Pike county. He 
is the present reporter for the Times-Democrat, New Orleans, 
and also the clerk of the Magnolia Baptist church. 

Mr. Huff was clerk of the Mississippi Association four years, 
from 1886 to 1889 inclusive. He is a ready writer and a man of 
cheerful disposition. His home is at Magnolia, Miss. 




EUGENE DE WITT SCHILLING. 



Eugene De "Witt Schilling was born in Washington parish, 
Louisiana, January 25, 1861. He was reared on the farm, at- 
tending the country schools until grown. He also attended tw> 
sessions of the Gillsburg Collegiate Institute, graduating from 
that institution in 1886. When a mere boy he professed religion, 
uniting with Mount Hermon church. After his graduation at 
Gillsburg he taught a number of good schools, one in Holmes 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 191. 

county, Mississippi, and one at Sunny Hill, Louisiana. About 
this time he felt it to be his duty to preach, and went at once 
into the work, being ordained at his home church. 

He was married August 22, 1888, to Miss Nannie E. Thomp- 
son, who, with four children, three boys and one girl, survives 
him. 

During his short ministerial career he was pastor at Osyka, 
Miss., and at Greensburg, Grangeville, Hepzibah, Rocky Creek, 
Bluff Creek and Kedron, in Louisiana. He was also called to 
the church at Pearsall, Texas, where he had gone hoping to im- 
prove his health. He was able to preach here, however, but a 
short time. He was twice elected moderator of the Mississippi 
River Association, holding that position when his health failed. 
He was also elected as principal of the Norvilla Institute, at 
Greensburg, La., but was never able to take charge of the work. 
He was much loved by his people, and gave promise of great 
usefulness had his life been spared. 

After a lingering illness, superinduced by la grippe, he died 
at Pearsall, Texas, October 21, 1895. The body was brought 
home and buried at Greensburg, La., funeral services being con- 
ducted by Elders W. P. Price, M. T. .Andrews and G. G. 
Thomas. 

He was a brother to the compiler of this book, and his memory 
is cherished with fond affection. 



1 RS7 The place of meeting was East Fork, and the 

time October 7th. The introductory dis- 
course was delivered by W. W. Bolls, from I Cor. 3: 9, "Ye are 
God 's husbandry. ' ' The officers of last year were re-elected, and 
Bethel church, Amite county, was received, H. N. Shaw and R. E. 
Callender being the delegates. The following were corresponding 
messengers: J. B. Gambrell, from the Convention Board; R. "W. 
Merrill, from the Bogue Chitto Association ; W. L. A. Stranburg, 
from the Union; T. C. Schilling, R. J. Stewart and D. F. Gordon, 
from the Mississippi River. 

New Hope church sent a resolution concerning the case of 
the minister who was separated from his first wife, and the same 
was referred to a committee, who reported that they had received 
satisfactory evidence that the first wife was excluded from New 
Hope church for scriptural cau?e, and therefore there was no bar 
to the brother's ordination. 



192 ABSTEACT HISTORY OF THE 

Mars Hill church sent a query to this effect: ''Should a 
church house be used for any other purpose than religious wor- 
ship ? " It was answered in the negative. 

At 11 a. m. on the Lord's day, Elder R. J. Stewart preached 
on missions from Psalm 43:3— "0 send out thy light and thy 
truth"— and a collection of $52 was taken. 

The Ladies' Missionary Union, of which Mrs. P. L. Bates was 
president, held an interesting session on Sunday, several societies 
being represented. Essays were read by Misses Lillie Avery, of 
Liberty; Ena Jenkins, of Gloster, and Helen Hodges, of Mars 
Hill. Elder W. L. A. Stranburg also spoke on "Woman's Work." 
The report submitted by Mrs. Bates showed that seven new so- 
cieties had been organized, and the total sum of $120 given for 
missions. She was continued in her official position and also 
authorized to draw on the Associational treasurer for funds for 
incidental expenses. 

W. W. Bolls presented a strong report on prohibition, saying 
in conclusion : ' ' The family, the school, the church, the law and 
the ballot box are all invoked to aid in removing this curse from 
the earth." 

The committee on "Disorderly Churches" reported that all 
troubles had been adjusted, and that the churches had set them- 
selves right before the Association and the world. 

A number of papers were recommended in the report on pub- 
lications, viz.: "The Southern Baptist Record," "The Sword 
and Shield," "Foreign Mission Journal" and the "Magnolia 
Gazette," the latter being a secular paper, but decidedly moral 
in sentiment. 

The departure of two deacons is mentioned, H. S. Anderson 
and Christopher Young, both of Mt. Zion. The committee said: 
"Their wise counsel and faithful services are widely known, and 
we can truly say their influence is still working for the Master's 



1 RRR Owing to the appearance of yellow fever in 

Jackson, Miss., the meeting was postponed 
for two weeks, the body convening with the Liberty church on 
the 26th of October. The opening sermon was preached by W. W. 
Bolls, whose text was Ephesians, 1:3, and the Association was 
organized by retaining the former officers, this being Mr. Lea's 
last year as treasurer. New Hope church, Amite county, pre- 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 193 

sented a letter of dismission from the Magee's Creek Association, 
and was received, Peter A. Green being the delegate. Also Mt. 
Pleasant, Concord and Beulah churches asked for admission. 
W. M. Ezell came from Mt. Pleasant, and Geo. M. Cain and J. F. 
Burris from Concord. Beulah sent no messengers. 

The visitors from other bodies were: J. T. Christian, from 
the Convention Board ; A. J. Cook, from the Bogue Chitto Asso- 
ciation; N. S. Cutrer, from the Mississippi River; W. L. A. 
Stranburg, from the Union; A. Sleeper and W. Smith (colored), 
from the Homo Chitto. 

There was preaching during the session by Elders J. T. 
Christian, E. T. Smith, W. L. A. Stranburg and R. N. Hall, and 
collections for missions were taken. 

The Ladies ' Missionary Union held interesting services, essays 
being read by Mrs. Mattie J. Webb, Mrs. E. C. Oliver and Miss 
Callender. The annual report of Mrs. P. L. B'ates showed seven 
more societies organized, 492 miles traveled, and the sum of 
$697.95 contributed. The following societies were represented in 
this amount : Gloster, Liberty, Centerville, Zion Hill, East Fork, 
Ebenezer, New Zion, Hopewell, Mars Hill, Summit, McComb 
City, New Providence, Ramah and Mount Zion. The society at 
Zion Hill led in contributions, being credited with $192.20. 

The sum of $83.85 was raised in cash and subscriptions, to as- 
sist Miss Mattie Cook in school at Blue Mountain, Miss., with a 
view to her going as a foreign missionary. 

It was recommended that the churches of the Association 
should endeavor to raise the sum of $200 for sustentation, the 
same being for Elders Peter Turner and W. H. Tucker, who 
were now feeble and disabled from affliction. 

Another workman who had long been prominent in the coun- 
sels of the body, had passed away this year, viz. : Deacon S. E. 
McDonald. He was born June 17, 1813, and died at his home in 
Wilkinson county, March 3, 1888. He united with Hepzibah 
church in 1841, and was ordained to the deaconship in 1848. The 
obituary says: "He ever loved the old Mississippi Association, 
and in order to be at its meetings, has made more sacrifices and 
rode more miles than any other man in it. * * * He was 
always ready to feed and. entertain strangers. In reference to 
his church he was regular. No business or worldly care stopped 
him from going. His money was freely given to support the 
cause. He was always on the Lord's side and was so well posted 
in the Bible that he could meet any opponent to our doctrines 



194 ALox^ACT HISTORY OF THE 



successfully. * * * Brethren, a noble man has gone. Too 
much cannot be said in regard to his zeal and consecration to 
God's cause.' ' 

The matter of pastoral support was taking definite form, and 
leading laymen were giving serious attention to the subject. The 
report this year says : "It is the opinion of your committee that, 
if there is a class that has a heavy burden to bear, that of our 
ministers is the heaviest. ,We would therefore recommend to 
the churches to systematize their methods of paying their pas- 
tors' salaries ; that they pay them quarterly, and that every mem- 
ber, by the help of God, carry his end of the stick, and not let 
his brother or sister carry it for him, thereby leaving your pastor 
free from suspense to do the Master's work." W. Z. Lea was 
chairman and the language of the report has a familiar ring. 

The statistics for 1887 were: Baptisms, 325; members, 2,349; 
contributions, $1,941.50. This was the first year in the Associa- 
tion's history when reported contributions reached the thousand- 
dollar mark. In 1888 there were 213 baptisms, 2,560 members, 
and the offerings aggregated $2,031.05. 

The following were the pastoral relations this year: 

T. C. Schilling served Bethel and Ebenezer. 

J. R. Mullins preached for Beulah. 

Peter Turner was bishop at Centerville. 

R. N. Hall was pastor of Concord, Mars Hill and Mt. Zion. 

R. J. Stewart preached for East Fork, Liberty and Zion Hill. 

W. W. Bolls served Galilee. 

D. S. H. Cox was pastor of Hopewell. 

J. H. Lane ministered to McComb City. 

W. J. Weatherly preached for Mt. Pleasant. . 

G. N. Bankston served New Hope, Amite. 

W. L. A. Stranburg was bishop of New Salem and New Hope, 
Franklin. 

Thomas Lansdell preached for New Providence. 

J. M. Cook served New Zion. 

C. H. Otken was pastor at Summit. 

T. M. Elerbe preached for Sarepta. 

R. J. Boone served Ramah, and G. "W. Farmer was bishop 
of Siloam. 

A strong report on prohibition was presented by the lamented 
W. F. Love, chairman of the committee. This report concludes 
as follows : ' ' Your committee believe that it is the duty of Chris- 
tians to prevent sin and crime by removing its sources, inas- 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 



195 



much as the Christian religion is the only means whereby govern- 
mental methods are purified according to moral and legal meth- 
ods. We think it very inconsistent, at least, for a church mem- 
ber to arraign, or vote for the exclusion of a brother on the 
grounds of drunkenness, when he, by his own vote and influence, 
has laid the temptation before him. And that it is unchristian 
conduct for a church member to patronize saloons, to sign a 
whisky petition, to vote for the legalized sale of intoxicants as a 
beverage, or in any way give countenance or encouragement to 
this iniquitous traffic. ' ' 




HENRY G. QUIN. 



Henry G. Quin was born June 30, 1830, and united with East 
Fork church in 1854. He was first ordained to the deaconship by 
this church, and on May 10, 1873, was ordained to the ministry. 
He served in the capacity of Sunday school superintendent and 
was also pastor of a number of churches in different parts of 
the country. 



196 ABSTKACT HISTORY OF THE 



Mr. Quin was twice married ; first to Miss Virginia E. Davies, 
of St. Helena parish, La., December 22, 1852; and second to 
Mrs. Lucy Mitchell, October 10, 1880. Several children were 
born to him by the first marriage. His death occurred February, 
1890, at a little less than sixty years of age, and thus another 
servant of the Master entered into rest. 



1 QQQ The place of meeting this time was New Zion, 

Amite county, and the time October 11th to 
14th. R. J. Stewart preached the introductory sermon from Jer. 
23:5— "A king shall reign and prosper." Permanent organiza- 
tion was effected by the election of R. J. Stewart moderator and 
W. P. Gardner treasurer, while D. M. Huff was continued in 
charge of the Associational records. Two new churches, 
Bethlehem and Hebron, were received, A. J. Bates and W. E. 
Lea coming from the former, and W. B. Moore and John P. 
Hamilton from the latter. 

W. W. Bolls offered the report of the committee appointed last 
year to look after the education of Miss Mattie Cook, giving 
receipts at $106.65. 

The Association still had an Executive Board and they re- 
ported $176.90 received, the same having been paid out for mis- 
sions, sustentation, education, etc. And an essay on "The duty 
of the churches to co-operate with the Executive B'oard in Chris- 
tian work" was published in connection with the report. 

Two queries were submitted from Mount Zion church, viz.: 

"Should a minister of the gospel be permitted to hold his cre- 
dentials who owns stock or holds office in fair associations where 
gambling of any kind is tolerated, especially horse-racing ? ' ' 

"What should be done with a member of the church who visits 
fairs where gambling is tolerated, thereby lending his influence 
for evil by being present, if not participating?" 

These queries provoked considerable discussion and a num- 
ber of amendments and substitutes were offered. The following 
was finally adopted: "We believe that a Christian minister or 
member of the church may own stock or shares in a fair asso- 
ciation, or visit a fair with impunity, provided no gambling or 
other unchristian practices are permitted by such fair associa- 
tion. But should a minister of the gospel or member of the 
church hold office or shares in a fair association, or visit a 
fair, where gambling in any form is, or unchristian practices of 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 197 

any kind are, tolerated, said minister of the gospel or members 
of the church should at once be subjected to discipline by his or 
her church." 

During the meeting there was preaching by Elders D. A. 
Given, John P. Hemby, T. C. Schilling, E. T. Smith, H. S. Archer 
and D. S. H. Cox, a schoolhouse near by being occupied. W. L. 
A. Stranburg and E. T. Smith also preached for the colored 
people at Parson Hill. 

A resolution was passed, expressing the thanks of the Associa- 
tion to "W. Z. Lea for faithful services during his long term 
as treasurer, his last report being made this year. 

There were a few changes in the pastorates this year as fol- 
lows : J. P. Hemby served Galilee ; E. P. Douglas preached for 
Mars Hill; J. E. Baham was pastor of New Hope (Amite) ; H. G. 
Quin was bishop of Siloam, and S. W. Sibley ministered to 
Summit. 

At 9:45 on Sunday morning the Woman's Missionary Union 
held a meeting, seventeen societies being represented. Mrs. P. L. 
Bates spoke on "The Work Christ Gave His People to Do, and 
Woman's Part in That Work." Essays were read by Misses 
Dollie Brashears, May Gordon and Issie Jenkins. 

The usual subjects were discussed and the Association ad- 
journed to meet next year with Ramah church. Elder H. G. 
Quin made the closing prayer, and this was his last time to 
meet with the old Mississippi. 



198 



^BSTEACT history of the 



J. R. Baham, of East Fork, Miss., is sixty-one years of, age. 
He was ordained to the .ministry in 1885, and has served a num- 
ber of churches as pastor, both in Louisiana and Mississippi. He 
has a limited education, but is a man of consecration and spiritual 
power. He is a thorough believer in the old doctrines of the Bible, 
and has no patience with new theological opinions and religious 




J. R. BAHAM, 



fads. He has good ideas of the interpretation of Scripture and is 
specially gifted in prayer. 

For a number of years Mr. Baham has resided at East Fork, 
where he has stood faithfully by the work of the church. He 
places the number of persons uniting with the churches under his 
ministry at approximately one hundred. He has done much in 
the way of visiting the sick and conducting funeral services. 
His wife is likewise a consecrated Christian, and has shared with 
her husband the burdens of life. They will have their reward. 






MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 199 

1 SQO Ramah, in Franklin county, is the place of 

meeting on the 10th of October. And this is 
the eighty-fourth annual session. D. S. H. Cox delivers the 
opening sermon from Ezekiel, 21: 27, "I will overturn, over- 
turn, overturn it; and it shall be no more, until he come whose 
right it is ; and I will give it him. ' ' 

There are twenty-five churches at this time, and the body is 
organized by re-electing R. J. Stewart and W. P. Gardner as 
moderator and treasurer respectively, while John P. Hemby 
goes to the clerk's table. Mt. Vernon church, Amite county, was 
received, Elder D. A. Given being the delegate. 

A number of prominent visitors were in attendance, as fol- 
lows: E. P. Douglas, W. F. Parsons, T. W. White and J. H. 
Gambrell came from the Fair River Association; E. B. Seale 
from the Carey; J. 0. Green from the Union; J. B. Gambrell 
and B. D. Gray from the Convention Board. 

The committee having in hand the matter of assisting Miss 
Mattie Cook at Blue Mountain reported receipts at $112.50. W. 
Everett was chairman. 

The matter of Christians owning stock in fair associations 
where gambling was practiced had the right of way again this 
year, there being an apparent difference of opinion on the sub- 
ject. The Summit church sent a "Preamble and Resolution, ' ' 
claiming that ' ' doubtful, not to say erroneous, ' ' ideas existed as 
to the nature of the power possessed by the Association in the 
matter of correcting evils that might exist in the churches, and 
recommending that a committee of five or more discreet and 
thoughtful brethren be appointed, whose duty it should be to 
examine thoroughly into the rules and powers of the Association 
in the matter of withdrawing from a disorderly church, etc. 

The committee through its chairman, H. S. Archer, made this 
report: "The Association has the power to withdraw from any 
church in the Union of churches, as an Association, which she 
deems unsound in principle or immoral in practice. But before 
withdrawing she should endeavor to correct the error in faith or 
practice by giving the best advice in her power. ' ' 

J. B. Gambrell offered, and the Association adopted, the follow- 
ing resolutions on the same subject: 

"Resolved, 1st, That the participation of members of churches 
belonging to this body in fairs where gambling is allowed and 
openly practiced is a cause of offense to the brotherhood, a source 
of division and strife among God's children, and a great 
hindrance to the progress of the cause of Christ in our bounds. 



200 ABSTKACT HISTOEY OF THE 

11 Resolved, 2nd, That we appeal in the spirit of Christian love 
to those brethren who are connected with any and all institutions 
which allow gambling to withdraw from them, and put their in- 
fluence on the side of Christ and public morals, and remove from 
among us a cause of trouble, and save this body the painful neces- 
sity of exercising discipline on such churches as allow such prac- 
tices.'' . 

On the Lord's day at 9 a. m. Mrs. P. L. Bates gave a lesson on 
the Tabernacle. At 11 a. m. J. B. Gambrell preached in the 
house and D. A. Given at the stand. 

A strong report on prohibition was presented by J. H. Gam- 
brell, and pending its adoption he addressed the Association 
and took a collection for the Prohibition Bureau at Meridian, 
Miss. 

The report on "State of Religion" complains of a too low 
standard of morals among the churches. As an evidence, mod- 
erate dram-drinking, intercourse with the world, desecration of 
the Sabbath, etc., are spoken of as being prevalent. Fair asso- 
ciations also come in again for a share of rebuke. H. I. 
Weathersby was chairman of the committee, and he exhibited a 
strong desire for more personal piety and greater consecration. 

The report on Mississippi College was presented by D. A. 
Given, and while it was before the body J. B. Gambrell made an 
address on College Endowment and secured in pledges the sum 
of $1,100. 

Strong resolutions were passed, expressing disapproval of the 
action of the Constitutional Convention, then in session, in fail- 
ing to provide for the overthrow of the liquor traffic in Missis- 
sippi. Also the manner in which the suffrage question was be- 
ing treated, was complained of. Furthermore, the Association 
put its stamp of disapproval on the proposition to keep open on 
the Lord's day the doors of the great World's Fair at Chicago in 
1891, such a course being "unwise, unpatriotic, un-American and 
un christian.' ' 

In connection with the report on Lea Female College, the 
Liberty, Gillsburg and East Fork schools were recommended. 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 



201 



K. J. Stewart was born December 18, 1847. His father was a 
native of Scotland, and died when the subject of this sketch was 
about eight years old. This sad event, followed by the Civil "War, 
circumscribed his opportunities, and deprived him of early educa- 
tional advantages, he being in school only a few months each year 
for five or six years. In October, 1864, he enlisted in the South- 
ern Army, joining a cavalry company. At the close of the war 
his two elder brothers, who had gone through the four years' 




R. J. STEWART. 



strife, returned home and relieved him of many grave respon- 
sibilities. In November, 1864, he was received by Mt. Vernon 
church, Amite county, but, because of the enemy in the neighbor- 
hood, he was not baptized until January 8, 1865. His marriage 
to Miss Sophia L. Davis, a native of Georgia, but reared in Mis- 
sissippi, occurred December 8, 1868. 

Mr. Stewart moved to St. Helena parish, La., in 1871, and on 
the 14th of February, 1872, he went into the organization of 
(14) 






202 ABSTKACT HISTORY OF THE 

Rocky Creek church. He was first ordained to the office of dea- 
con. He was licensed to preach August 5, 1877, and ordained 
March 3, 1878, Elders Geo. W. Hayden and Thomas Lansdell 
composing the presbytery. He was then called to serve this 
church at a salary of $75. At this time he was opposed to a 
fixed salary for preachers, and suggested to the members not to 
make any promise, but to pay what they could, to which they 
agreed. He sometimes walked to his appointments, a distance of 
six miles, preaching one Saturday and Sunday in the month. His 
salary for this year, under the "pay-what-you-can" plan, did not 
reach the $75, there being a shortage of $74.10. This experi- 
ence was largely instrumental in brinein^ about his conversion on 
the question of salary, and he was no doubt better prepared to 
strengthen his brethren on the subject. 

Mr. Stewart relates two amusing incidents which occurred dur- 
ing his early ministry. (1) Occasionally he would mention his 
misfortune of being uneducated. One day an educated brother 
advised him to do so no more, saying : ' ' One-half the people will 
never find it out unless you tell them ; the other half will find it 
out soon enough." (2) A member of a church to which he 
preached did not have the money to pay him, and proposed to 
let him have some syrup, to which he agreed. When this brother 
brought the syrup he was asked the price per gallon, and said: 
"Forty cents cash or fifty cents in trade. I will let you have it 
at fifty cents." 

In 1878 he was elected clerk of the Mississippi River Associa- 
tion and served six years. He was also moderator one year. In 
January, 1888, he moved from Greensburg, La., to Liberty, Miss., 
where he still resides. He assisted in organizing five churches in 
the Mississippi Association, and served as moderator six years, 
from 1889 to 1894, inclusive. He has been pastor at Liberty, 
East Fork, Zion Hill and other places in Amite county. The 
number of baptisms administered by him is estimated at nearly 
one thousand. He has given his children good educational ad- 
vantages, having one lawyer and one physician in his family. His 
wife died some vears ago. 



1 RQ1 ^ e mee t m £' this year was held with Galilee 

church, Gloster, beginning October 9th. 

John P. Hemby preached the introductory sermon from Luke, 

17:15. The reading clerks were H. I. AVeathersbv and E. Gard- 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 203 

ner, and the body was organized by re-electing the former officers. 
Visitors were as follows : 

Mississippi College and Baptist Record, J. A. Hackett. 

Convention Board, H. F. Sproles. 

Board of Ministerial Education, L. Ball. 

Sunday School Board, S. B. C., W. H. Robert. 

Carey Association, H. S. Archer. 

Union, W. W. Bolls. 

Mississippi River, H. N. Kerr. 

Two more churches, Mt. Pleasant and Mt. Olive, Amite 
county, were admitted. 

There was still an Executive Board, and they had employed 
Elder S. H. Thompson to labor in the Homo Chitto valley at a 
salary of $150 for one-fourth his time. 

It was reported that Miss Mattie Cook's heaUh was failing, 
and the matter of her further education was indefinitely post- 
poned. J. H. Lane, T. J. J. Spurlock and Dr. C. H. Bates com- 
posed the committee. 

Lewis Ball, of blessed memory, presented a fine paper on ' ' Min- 
isterial Education," from which this extract is taken: "Tlig 
ministry educated at Clinton have largely, very largely, carried 
the denomination to the forefront. The estimate shows that the 
Baptists control fifty per cent, of the people of the State. This us 
attributed by other denominations to the work done in Missis- 
sippi College in the education of our ministry. Hence the erec- 
tion of Millsaps College in Jackson. Bishop Galloway perhaps 
had no lever equal in the way of incentive to get money for that 
college as the use made of the work done in our college. * * * 
What then? Down upon your knees with hearts full of travail; 
implore the Lord of the harvest to send laborers to gather in 
the sheaves." 

H. F. Sproles read the report on the "Centennial of Missions," 
beginning: "On the last day of May, 1792, Wm. Carey, a pious 
cobbler and consecrated minister of the gospel, preached a great 
sermon on missions at Kettering, England, which excited a deep 
interest in and awakened a sense of responsibility for the perish- 
ing heathen. This was the beginning of the modern missionary 
enterprise. In order to increase this interest, to quicken zeal, to 
encourage systematic effort and prayer for the evangelization 
of the world, Baptists propose to celebrate that great event. 

"Meetings will be held in 1892 at Kettering by the English 
Baptists; at Philadelphia by the Northern Baptists, and at 
Louisville by the Southern Baptists. 



204 ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 

''Glance at the field in the beginning of this missionary cen- 
tury. China was hermetically sealed. It was death to preach the 
gospel in Japan. India was closed to all missionaries ; even Carey 
had to seek shelter on a little plot of ground owned by a foreign 
power. South America was tabooed by Romanism. Asia Minor 
was inaccessible. Mohammedanism stood in its pride and inde- 
pendence. The difficulties of Africa deterred the most adven- 
turous. Only the inhabitants of the enervating islands of the 
South Seas and those of the Polar regions were accessible. There 
was but little interest. Everything was new and strange. Lan- 
guage had to be learned and clothed in the forms of written 
speech. The Word of God had to be translated into these newly 
formed languages. The laborers were few, untrained and in- 
experienced. There were no native helpers. How different are 
the conditions of the mission fields now. The whole world is open 
to missionary enterprise. Thibet is probably an exception,, but 
even in that country the Moravians have entered with the gos- 
pel * * * T]j e whole world is now at our door. It is only 
a few weeks' easy travel by land or sea to reach thp most distant 
parts." 

There was preaching on the Lord's day in the different 
churches in Gloster by Elders H. F. Sproles, L. Ball, J. P. 
Hemby, J. A. Hackett, C. H. Otken, D. S. H. Cox and E. Gardner. 

About this time the question of college removal was a live one 
with Mississippi Baptists, and the "old Mississippi" expressed 
her sentiments in the following resolution: 

"Be It Resolved, That in our opinion the removal of Missis- 
sippi College would be unwise and we request that it remain at 
Clinton." 

A memorial was presented on the subject of fair associations, a 
question that has disturbed the ranks of the Association for some 
time. The belief is again expressed that ministers were encourag- 
ing such fairs by owning stock in them, "while others aid and 
abet such action." In closing their report, the committee said: 
"It is the judgment of your committee that gambling at fairs 
or elsewhere is an evil and a sin and should be discouraged ; and, 
if churches are charged and convicted of tolerating such prac- 
tices, it is the duty of the Association to withdraw the hand of 
fellowship from such church or churches. ' ' 

A set of resolutions was passed expressing sympathy with the 
good people of Louisiana in their heroic struggle against the 
great lottery swindle, and pledging hearty co-operation to the 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 203 



people of that State in their efforts to drive out this public in- 
iquity. And the clerk was instructed to send copies of the reso- 
luions to the Baptist Chronicle, Ruston, La.; the New Orleans 
Christian Advocate and the New Delta, New Orleans ; also to the 
Southern Baptist Record, Meridian, Miss. 

The following was the arrangement of pastors and churches 
this year: 

T. C. Schilling served Bethel and Ebenezer. 

J. P. Hemby was pastor of Bethlehem, Galilee and New Zion. 

R. J. Stewart preached for Concord, Liberty and Zion Hill. 

J. H. Lane was bishop of East Fork, Mars Hill and Hebron. 

D. S. H. Cox ministered to Hopewell, Mt. Zion and Siloam. 

J. C. Gadd was pastor at McComb City. 

J. M. Stroud served Mt. Pleasant and New Hope, Franklin 
county. 

S. H. Thompson preached for Mt. Pleasant, Amite. 

D. A. Given was bishop of Mt. Yernon. 

Elisha Gardner ministered to Mt. Olive. 

J. R. Baham preached for New Hope, Amite. 

Thomas Lansdell served New Providence. 

I. "W. East was pastor of New Salem. 

Joseph Buckles ministered to Ramah. 

W. J. Weatherly served Sarepta. 

S. W. Sibley was bishop at Summit. 



1 RQ2 ^e saints of the old Mississippi assembled at 

McComb City on the 7th of October. J. C. 
Gadd delivered the Associational sermon at night from Exodus, 
14:15— >" Go forward." Theme: ''Religious Progress." Twenty- 
six chruches sent letters and messengers, and the body was or- 
ganized by continuing the same moderator and clerk, while S. R. 
Quin was chosen treasurer. 

A number of corresponding messengers were present, viz. : 

Mississippi River Association — William Jones. 

Bogue Chitto—S. C. Walker, W. R. Walker, C. S. Curtis, W. 
F. Yarborough and I. Allmand. 

Fair River— E. P. Douglas, A. Reeves, W. H. Bailey. 

Union— J. Jasper Green. 

Homo Chitto (Col.)— Dennis Thomas. 

Board of Ministerial Education — L. Ball. 

Mississippi College— R. A. Venable. 



206 ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 

One new church, Arlington, was received. 

On the Lord's day preaching services were held at the various 
churches in MeComb by Elders R. A. Yenable, L. Ball, C. H. 
Otken. J. H. Lane,, R. J. Stewart, J. P. Heinby and J. M. Cook. 

There were a few changes in the pastorates. E. Gardner 
served Hebron and Mt. Olive: E. T. Smith was pastor of Mt. 
Pleasant (Amite) : J. R. G. Reeves was bishop at Mt. Vernon; S. 
H. Thompson preached for New Salem, and D. A. Given minis- 
tered to Hopewell and Mt. Zion. 

There were 164 baptisms, 3,026 members and an aggregate or 
$5,371.76 reported this year, and the usual subjects of denomina- 
tional interest were considered. 

The following is the list of churches and delegates appearing 
in 1892: 

Arlington — S. J. Hodges and H. N. Ellzey. 

Bethel— R. P. Bates and J. M. Smith. 

Bethlehem— TV. E. Lea and C. D. Causey. 

Concord— J. M. Godwin and J. I. Godbold. 

East Fork— J. H. Lane, T. J. J. Spurlock. H. D. Sandifer and 
J. R. Baham. 

Ebenezer—C. A. Young and W. B. Gardner. 

Galilee — S. T. Van Norman. John P. Hemby. J. L. McLain and 
Gr. W. Umherger. 

Hebron— G. P. Gardner and J. F. Hamilton. 

Hopewell— D. D. Rollins and J. M. Ford. 

Liberty— R. J. Stewart. P. L. Marsalis and T. J. Webb. 

Mars Hill— A. S. Turner and L. Turner. 

MeComb City— J. C. Gadd. 0. B. Quin. S. R. Quin, W. M. 
Jenkins and I. A. Quin. 

Mt. Zion—H. I. Weathersby, J. W. Gamble, Munroe Murray 
and William Mullins. 

Mt. Pleasant. FranJcHn—W. M. Ezell and B. M. Wilkinson. 

Mt. Pleasant, Amite— S. C. Williams and P. C. Ethridge. 

Mt. Vernon— W. Pratt Smith and H. T. Cornish. 

Mt. Olive— W. E. Young and J. W. Pate. 

New Hope, Franklin — Letter only. 

New Hope, Amite— J. B. McLendon and J. D. Newman. 

New Providence— H. R. Causey and S. C. Gardner. 

New Salem— Chas. Buckles and Zach Byrd. 

New Zion— I. L. Moore. 

Bamalx—h. L. Magee. 

Sarepta — Not represented. 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 207 

Siloam—'W. D. Jones and Charlie Cole. 

Summit— C. H. Otken and S. W. Sibley. 

Zicm Hill—G. D. Brashears and Lem Parker. 

The names of R. N. Hall, Peter Turner, A. G. Felder, W. H. 
Tucker and others, recently so familiar in the meetings of the 
Association, have disappeared, and a number of new men have 
come on the scene. So it ever is. Those of to-day will soon be 
no more, while the work will be carried on by other hands. "I 
inust work the works of him that sent me while it is day; the 
night cometh, when no man can work."— John, 9 :4. 



1 RQ^ The old Mississippi meets with the Siloam 

church this year on the 6th of October. 
Elders M. T. Martin and E. T. Smith read the letters from the 
churches, and the body is organized by retaining R. J. Stewart 
as moderator and S. R. Quin as treasurer, while P. L. Marsalis is 
chosen to do the writing. 

On the second day of the session Elder Z. Lofton preached 
the Associational sermon from Ephesians; 2 :10. 

Jerusalem church, Amite county, was again received into the 
Association, M. W. Gordon and C. R. Felder being the delegates. 

By request of the Association, M. T. Martin preached a ser- 
mon on the first day of the meeting, using as his text 2 Thes. 2 :13 r . 
from which he . discussed the following topics : Election, work 
of the Spirit in preparing the heart, faith or belief of the truth,, 
and good works as the fruits of faith. Mr. Martin also preached 
at 11 a. m. on the Lord's day, his text being Romans, 11 :6. This 
remark is made of the service : ' ' Immediately after the sermon 
forty persons came forward and said that they then had peace 
with God and full assurance for the first time. ' ' A collection of 
$48.20 was received. In the afternoon W. W. Bolls preached 
from Hab. 3 :2. 

In connection with the report on ' ' Work Among the Negroes, ' ' 
some resolutions were adopted, appealing to the people of the 
Association to extend to the colored people that feeling which 
the laws of the State, the demands of humanity and the claims 
of Christianity require; also that the white ministers should 
preach to them as opportunity offered. Further, that the wages 
of the hireling should not be withheld, that the cry of the hire- 
ling come not up in the final judgment. 



208 



ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 



•B. N. Hatch, Sunday school evangelist, was given an oppor- 
tunity to present the claims of his work and to take pledges for 
the same. 

Elder M. T. Martin was requested to give all the time possible 
to evangelistic work within the bounds of the Association, looking 
to the churches for remuneration; also to furnish articles on 
doctrinal points for publication in the Baptist Record. 

After receiving and discussing the usual reports, the body ad- 
journed to meet in 1894 with Concord church. 









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M. T. MARTIN. 



M. T. Martin, son of Elder John P. Martin, was born August 
6, 1842. His education was received at Mississippi College. He 
served his country in the Civil War, and was soon after elected 
to the chair of mathematics in Mississippi College, which posi- 
tion he filled with ability and success for nine years. Previ- 
ous to his resignation he had felt a call to preach, and was ac- 
cordingly licensed in 1877. He also served as financial agent 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 209 

of the College, relieving the institution of a heavy indebtedness 
and adding largely to its endowment. In 1877 he became the 
business manager of the Mississippi Baptist Record, the new 
paper inaugurated by the Baptist State Convention. In 1881 
he located in Meridian, Miss., being associated with Elder C. M. 
Gordon in the management of the Meridian Female College. 

Mr. Martin next moved to Texas on account of his wife's 
failing health, where he spent ten years in evangelistic labors. 
During these ten years he held a great many special services, and 
reported some four thousand professions of faith under his min- 
istry. From Texas he removed to Atlanta, Ga., about 1891. In 
1892 he returned to Mississippi and was pastor at Gloster for 
some years. 

In "Mississippi Baptist Preachers," published in 1895, the 
author says of Mr. Martin : ' ' He is a man of fine mental endow- 
ments. His mind is active, vigorous and alert. He is a man of 
considerable culture and mental attainments. He has a wonder- 
fully logical turn of mind, and, when once his premises are ad- 
mitted, one is led on step by step almost irresistibly to his con- 
clusions.' ' 

Concerning Mr. Martin 's • sudden death, his son, the widely- 
known and popular evangelist, T. T. Martin, furnishes the follow- 
ing account: "He had been for some months troubled with 
heart disease, but went to Cripple Creek, Col., to aid me in a 
meeting while I was pastor. The altitude was too high for him 
and he went to Kirksville, Mo., to be treated by the osteopath. 
I received a telegram to come to him. When I arrived I saw he 
was in a critical condition, and wired to St. Louis for two noted 
heart specialists to meet me at the depot in St. Louis that night. 
Thirty miles out of St. Louis father started to move in the car 
and sank down on the floor and died in my arms. I took the body 
to Gloster, Miss., and buried it. His friends erected a monu- 
ment over the grave, with an open Bible surmounting it, and 
the simple record of his name, birth and death; and then the 
simple motto : ' A Bond Slave for Christ. ' " 

Mr. Martin was a man of brilliant intellect, good attainments 
and courageous convictions. 



210 ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 



1894 The ei g ht y- ei £hth annual session was held with 

Concord church, beginning October 12th. J. 
H. Lane preached the Associational sermon from 2 Cor., 5:14— 
"For. the love of Christ constraineth us." The former officers 
were re-elected and the following correspondence received: 

Union Association— Isaac Porter. 
Fair River— S. B. Wactor and J. A. Scarborough. 
Bogue Chitto— J. L. Price and W % R. Johnson. 
Sunday School Board— B. N. Hatch. 
Mississippi College— Chas. L. Lewis. 
Convention Board— A. V. Rowe. 

Three more churches were received, viz. : Gillsburg, Whites- 
town and Amite River. The delegates were: T. C. Schilling 
and Jas. P. Cutrer from Gillsburg; D. G. Smith from Whites- 
town, and S. C. Fugler from Amite River. 

In accordance with a. resolution adopted last year, requesting 
pastors to do all the preaching they could in destitute places, 
the following reports were made: J. H. Lane had preached at 
a schoolhouse on the fifth Sundays and afternoons. He had also 
preached some to the colored people, and had delivered five lec- 
tures on the history and doctrines of Mormonism. 

J. R. Baham had given one Sunday in each month at Dixon 's 
schoolhouse, five Sundays at Cold Springs, and had preached 
five sermons at private homes. 

M. T. Martin had given one month to organizing mission work 
in Wilkinson county. This work, through the efforts of Elder 
E. T. Smith, missionary of the Convention Board, had resulted 
in reviving four churches and the baptism of nineteen persons. 
Mr. Martin also reported two extra appointments in the after- 
noons of his regular Sundays at Gloster, and sixty baptisms 
as the result of his evangelistic work with self-sustaining 
churches. 

The following resolution was adopted in connection with the 
report on temperance : 

"Besolved, That this Association will not hold fellowship with 
any church that will allow her members to engage in selling or 
giving away intoxicating liquors as a beverage, or who engage in 
social drinking." 

There was preaching on the Sabbath by Elders A. V. Rowe 
and M. T. Martin, the former at 11 a. m. and the latter at 2 
p. m. J. A. Scarborough preached at 7:30 p. m. Friday. 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 



211 



The Association expressed sympathy for Elder S. H. Thomp- 
son, who had preached much in distant and destitute commun- 
ities, and took a collection for his benefit, amounting to $66 in 
cash and pledges. 

After considering the usual subjects, the body adjourned to 
meet next year with Sarepta church. 



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P. L. MARSALIS. 



P. L. Marsalis was born and reared in Amite county, Miss., 
and was educated principally at Mississippi College. At the be- 
ginning of the Civil War he was sixteen years of age, and went 
away with the first company organized in his county, known as 
the " Liberty Guards," afterward Company E, 22nd Mississippi 
Regiment. He was wounded at the battle of Shiloh, and was 
then transferred to the 14th Confederate Cavalry, which was 
afterward consolidated with the 38th Mississippi Cavalry. He 
went through the four years' struggle, surrendering with his 
regiment at Gainsville, Alabama. 



212 ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 

On the 11th of October, 1866, he was married to Miss Lou A. 
Garner, now deceased. Several children were born to them. 

Mr. Marsalis chose teaching as his life work. His first school 
in 1866 was located within half a mile of his old home. He was 
for seven years the principal of the Liberty Male and Female Col- 
lege, at Liberty, Miss., during which the school had a large pat- 
ronage. Afterward he was in charge of the Peabody School at 
Summit, Miss., for four years. At present (1908) he is princi- 
pal of the Osyka Graded School at Osyka, Miss. He is an ener- 
getic teacher and does faithful work, being a thorough Baptist 
and a good man. He was clerk of the Association three years— 
1893. 1894 and 1895. 



1 SQ^ Sarepta, in Franklin county, is the place of 

gathering on the 11th of October. This 
church being on the northern border of the Associational terri- 
tory, the delegation is small. J. P. Hemby is chosen to preside, 
P. L. Marsalis is continued clerk, and T. J. Hewitt is selected to 
carry the purse. The visitors are as follows : 

Union Association— W. W. Bolls, I. N. Garrett, W. W. Cubet 
and J. E. Lowe. 

Central— M. J. Derrick. 

Carey— C. A. Pritchard and T. P. Stewart. 

R. J. Stewart made report of work done since the last meeting 
of the body, viz. : Miles traveled, 2,127 ; sermons delivered, 150 ; 
visits made, 348. He had also conducted nine funeral services 
and celebrated eight marriages. He stated that it had been the 
hardest year's work of his ministry, and that the spiritual con- 
dition of his churches was "lamentably low." 

W. J. Weatherly reported nine sermons, seven to white peo- 
ple and two to colored congregations. No further report appears 
from any of the pastors. 

On the second day of the meeting W. W. Bolls preached the 
Associational sermon from Matthew, 3 :15. 

About this time there began to be some confusion in the Asso- 
ciation on matters of doctrine, as the following preamble and 
resolution, adopted at this meeting, will indicate : 

"Whereas, it has come to the knowledge of this Association 
that rebaptism is practiced by the Galilee Baptist church to an 
unlimited extent, unwarranted by the Scriptures, and, 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. - 213 

"Whereas, there is no diminishing of this heresy— on the con- 
trary, a growing increase ; therefore, be it 

"Resolved, That this Association enters her solemn protest 
against any further practice of this heresy within her bounds, 
and we do solemnly declare our nonfellowship for it." 

The following item is taken from the report on temperance : 

" While we may not believe that the use of tobacco is a sin, yet 
we are bound to admit that it is a useless and filthy habit, though 
it may be a luxury to all of us who are addicted to it, as also to 
the one who likes the habit of drinking. It will not rise up and 
enter our mouths unless we put it there. If the American people 
would take the nine hundred million dollars expended for whisky 
and the six hundred million expended for tobacco, and donate 
it to the Master's cause in mission work (one thousand dollars to 
each missionary) , it would place in the field one million five hun- 
dred thousand missionaries— enough to send the glad tidings to 
every known portion of the globe, enough to evangelize the 
world." 

There was preaching during the meeting by Elders M. J. Der- 
rick, J. P. Hemby, Z. Lofton, J. E. Lowe and J. E. Phillips. And 
a few changes of pastors had been made. .Thomas Lansdell served 
Amite River and New Providence ; M. T. Martin was pastor at 
Gloster; J. R. Baham preached for Zion Hill; TV. P. Price minis- 
tered to Summit; B. Y. Alford served New Hope (Amite), and 
I. Allmond was pastor of Jerusalem. 

After the usual reports had been received the body adjourned, 
with Mt. Olive as the place of next meeting. 



214 



ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 



T. J. Hewitt was born in Amite county, Miss., and has con- 
tinned his residence there all his life. He united with Mars Hill 
church when young and has been an active member in the benevo- 
lent work of the church. In 1871 he was married to Miss Emily 
Lofton, and to them nine children have been born, eight sons and 
one daughter. Their eldest son, W. A. Hewitt, is pastor of the 




T. J. HEWITT. 



First Baptist Church of Columbus, Miss. They have in their 
family one preacher, three doctors, one lawyer and two farmers, 
while the youngest son has r.ot decided on his life work. 

Mr. Hewitt has served as a member of the County School 
Board since 1904. He is a well-to-do farmer, living eight miles 
west of Summit. He was treasurer of the Association four years, 
from 1895 to 1898, inclusive. 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 



215 



Samuel J. Ellzey was born in Pike county, Miss., July 26, 1867, 
being a son of B. F. and Emily Ellzey. He professed religion 
when seventeen years of age, uniting with Silver Springs church. 
He at once entered into active service, and the church soon recog- 
nized his God-given talents, and gave him license to preach. His 
education was received in the public schools, in the Gillsburg 
Collegiate Institute and at Houston, Miss. He was married t • 
Miss Mary A. Pittman, Sarepta, Miss., on the 12th of February, 




SAMUEL J. ELLZEY. 



1894. His ordination occurred at his home church, May 17, 1896, 
the presbytery being composed of Elders E. M. Schilling and J. 
N. Fortinberry. 

Feeling the need of further preparation, he studied one year 
at the Seminary in Louisville, Ky., and then located at Anding, 
Miss. He was pastor here and at Concord, a country church 
near by. He was growing into a strong and useful preacher, 
having the confidence and esteem of his people in a high degree. 



216 ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 

During his short stay at Anding a neat and substantial house 
of worship was erected, on which he labored with his own hands. 
He was a young man of deep personal piety and took a broad 
view of Christian duties and privileges. 

On the 8th of July, 1902, in the beginning of what seemed a 
long and useful life, the Master called him away. To us it seems 
that one so young, pious and capable should have been spared 
many years, but the Divine One saw it otherwise, and we dare 
not question His wisdom and goodness. 

Mr. Ellzey's memory is cherished by a large circle of rela- 
tives, friends and acquaintances. In the church cemetery at 
Concord, Yazoo county, where he ministered to the saints and 
preached Christ to sinners, his body reposes, waiting the Lord's 
return. 



1 SQfi ^e n i ne ti e th annual session was held with 

Mount Olive church, Amite county, begin- 
ning October 9th. The opening sermon was preached by T. C. 
Schilling, from Matthew, 12:42, "A greater than Solomon is 
here.' , Twenty-nine churches were represented, and in organiz- 
ing the body E. A. Bates was chosen moderator ; T. C. Schilling, 
clerk, and T. J. Hewitt, treasurer. And the following visitors 
from other bodies were present: Bogue Chitto Association, W. 
R. Johnson and W. R. Walker; Chickasahay, J. A. Hackett, of 
the Baptist Record; Convention Board, A. V. Rowe; General 
Sunday School Convention, T. R. Godbold. H. P. Hurt repre- 
sented the Baptist Layman, and Elder C. S. Ray was present as 
colporteur of the Convention Board. 

The various committees were named, and reports on missions 
and Mississippi College were presented and discussed on Satur- 
day moraine:. 

The matter of doctrinal difference in the Association noted a 
year ago was assuming definite form by this time, many 
brethren, both preachers and laymen, honestly dissenting from 
the doctrinal views and teaching of Elder M. T. Martin. There 
were those in the Association who felt that some expression 
should be given relative to the matter, and on Saturday after- 
noon a set of resolutions was introduced by J. H. Lane, express- 
ing dissent from Mr. Martin's views. The resolutions were dis- 
cussed until a late hour, mainly by M. T. Martin and T. C. 
Schilling, when further consideration was deferred until Monday. 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 217 

The preaching on the Lord's day was done by Elders J. A. 
Hackett, Thomas Lansdell, S. W. Sibley and W. J. Weatherly, 
services being held both in the honse and in the grove. 

On Monday morning the deferred resolutions relating to M. 
T. Martin's doctrines were taken up, when a motion was made 
to lay them indefinitely on the table. J. R. Sample, of Summit, 
offered a substitute, by which the editor of the B ] aptist Record 
was requested to allow Elder M. T. Martin and such a repre- 
sentative brother as the Association might appoint the use of 
his columns for a free and thorough discussion of the doctrines 
complained of. To this substitute there was unanimous consent, 
and a committee of three— viz., Thomas Lansdell, S. W. Sibley 
and J. H. Lane— was appointed to select someone to hold the 
discussion with Mr. Martin. This committee selected R. A. Ven- 
able, of Meridian, Miss., but the discussion was not had, and, so 
far as known, no report of the matter was ever made to the As- 
sociation. 

Two resolutions were offered, one by M. T. Martin, the other 
by J. R. Sample, condemning the action of the last Association 
concerning Galilee church practicing rebaptism, but they were 
both tabled and the following finally passed: 

"Resolved, That, on the question of rebaptism of one who was 
formerly baptized in unbelief, it is the right of each church to 
act in her sovereign capacity. " 

To be true to the facts of history, it is proper to add that the 
foregoing matter occasioned a breezy discussion and much gen- 
eral comment. But the difference was one of doctrinal teachings 
and did not involve personalities or questions of morals. 

Letters of dismission were given McComb City, New Hope 
(Amite), Mount Vernon, Amite River and Jerusalem churches. 

(15) 



218 



ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 



E. A. Bates, of Marshalton, Miss., was born September 6, 1858. 
Like many of our best men, he was reared on the farm, receiv- 
ing his education in the common schools of the country. He 
takes an active interest in affairs of church and state, and is a 
pious and worthy citizen. His wife was Miss Minnie Quin, a 
daughter of the late Elder H. G. Quin. 

In addition to his farming interests, Mr. Bates for a number 
of years has dealt in livestock, having a good acquaintance with 




E. A. BATES. 



the Western markets, and enjoying the confidence and esteem 
of the trading public. 

He professed religion in 1880, uniting with East Fork church, 
and in 1896 was ordained to the office of deacon. He served as 
moderator of the Association four years, from 1896 to 1899, in- 
clusive, and presided with ease and ability. He is a firm friend 
to his pastor, an essential quality in a good deacon. 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 219 

1 RQ7 The meeting was held this year with New 

Providence church, beginning November 
25th. This was owing to the appearance of yellow fever at a 
number of places in the State. The session continued two days, 
and eleven churches were represented. The appointee and alter- 
nate both being absent, J. L. Johnson, a visitor, by request, de- 
livered the annual sermon. E. A. Bates and T. J. Hewitt were 
re-elected moderator and treasurer, respectively, while Elder E. 
Gardner was chosen to keep the records. 

Resolutions were adopted expressing sympathy for the fever- 
stricken sections of the South, and invoking the Divine comfort 
and relief for the sufferers. 

The usual committees were appointed, and the subjects of mis- 
sions, religious literature, temperance, pastoral support, etc., 
were considered. 

The doctrinal differences existing in the Association had not 
subsided by this meeting ; on the contrary, they had grown more 
pronounced. The membership of Galilee church, of which Elder 
M. T. Martin had been pastor, were divided in sentiment, those 
agreeing with Pastor Martin finally withdrawing and organ- 
izing another church. Mr. Martin was also~ pastor of Zion Hill, 
one of the oldest churches in the Association, and this church, 
of course, stood with her pastor. On this account the Asso- 
ciation passed the following act: 

" Whereas, Zion Hill church has published resolutions in- 
dorsing M. T. Martin in full as a Baptist preacher, and as his 
teachings bring destruction to the peace of Zion, and are out of 
line with regular Baptist teaching : 

"Resolved, That this Association withdraw the hand of fel- 
lowship from said church and its pastor." 

Later another set of resolutions was adopted, expressing 
strong dissent from Mr. Martin's doctrinal views, and giving no- 
tice that any church in the Association that might engage him 
as pastor would forfeit its membership in the body. The reso- 
lutions also contained a request to the churches which had gone 
off to return to the old faith and to regular Baptist organization. 

These matters, being a part of the Association's history, are 
given as nearly as possible as they occurred in the proceedings 
of the body. Mr. Martin had decided convictions, and he main- 
tained them with unusual vigor and ability; and, while this di- 
vision was greatly deplored, it is believed that no ill-will is 
cherished for his memory. 



220 



ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 



Elisha Gardner was born in Amite county, Mississippi, April 
22, 1867, and was reared on the farm, attending the public 
schools until eighteen years of age. He then taught school in 
his native county fcr four years. His marriage to Miss Demarias 
Day occurred in 1888. He was converted and united with Mars 
Hill church when eighteen years old, and was ordained to the 
work of the ministry in his twenty-fourth year. Since his ordina- 
tion he has served full time as pastor of churches in Amite and 




ELISHA GARDNER. 



Franklin counties. He is at present (1908) the pastor of New 
Providence and Ebenezer churches, having served the former 
for the past twelve years, and the latter six years, and is happy 
in his work. 

Mr. Gardner is original in his thinking and methods; is a 
fluent speaker and a popular preacher. Being in the prime of 
life, and of good health, he is promised many years of useful- 
ness and power. 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 



221 



John P. Culpepper was born in Lawrence county, Mississippi, 
September 27, 1866. His early life was spent on the farm, at- 
tending the public schools until he was eighteen years of age, 
when his father "set him free" to get an education. He con- 
tinued to attend the neighborhood schools for two and a half 
years. He was converted at the age of sixteen under the preach- 
ing of Elder R, Drummond, being received into the fellowship 
of Crooked Creek church. In the summer of 1887 he felt im- 
pressed to become a preacher of the gospel, and was accordingly 
licensed by his home church the following year. He then en- 




JOHN P. CULPEPPER. 



tered Mississippi College, graduating in 1893, with the B. L. 
degree. He preached during the summer months, some of his 
best meetings being those held during his college days. He also 
studied at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary at the 
session of 1893-94. He was ordained in June, 1894, Elders R. 
Drummond and J. C. Buckley composing the presbytery. His 
first pastorate was at Columbia, Miss., 1895 and 1896. He also 
preached for Monticello, Society Hill, Ebenezer and Cedar 
Grove churches. 

Mr. Culpepper was married to Miss Rosa Lee Baeot, Septem- 
ber 9, 1896. He next accepted the care of the church at Glos- 



222 ABSTEACT HISTOEY OF THE 

ter, Miss., remaining there six years. During this time a pas- 
tor's home was built and the work organized along lines of de- 
nominational progress. 

In 1903 he accepted work as pastor at Lumberton, Miss., re- 
maining two years. While here a pastor's home was erected and 
the church left in good condition. He next accepted a call to 
Poplarville, Miss., his present field, where he has been greatly 
blessed. A pastor 's home has also been built here and the church 
membership doubled. 

Mr. Culpepper has done considerable evangelistic work, in 
which many have been saved. He has now been preaching thir- 
teen years, and has seen more than 2,500 persons unite with the 
churches, besides leading in the work of building a number of 
houses of worship. With this fine record of work we may safely 
predict for him a career of great usefulness. 



1 RQR Ebenezer is the place of meeting, and the time 

November 25th. The lateness of holding the 
session was because of the appearance of yellow fever for some 
years immediately preceding this time. The attendance was 
small, as is usually the case at so late a date in the year. The 
former officers were re-elected— viz., E. A. Bates, moderator; E. 
Gardner, clerk, and T. J. Hewitt, treasurer. 

E. H. Garner and J. E. Lowe came as corresponding messen- 
gers, the former from Carey Association and the latter from the 
Union. Secretary Rowe came from the Convention Board. 

J. P. Culpepper preached the annual sermon. 

On the Lord's day Elder A. V. Eowe preached and took up 
a collection for missions. 

J. E. Lowe offered the following in connection with the re- 
port on temperance : ' ' Intoxicating liquor is the fine blood of the 
gambler, the element of the burglar, the prop of the highway- 
man, and the support of the midnight incendiary. It burns up 
men, consumes women, detests life, curses God and despises 
heaven. It murders the soul; it is the sum of all villainies, the 
father of all crimes, the mother of all abominations, the devil's 
best friend and God's worst enemy." 

This item is taken from the report on ministerial education, 
written by W. B. Kinabrew: "The leaders and instructors of 
our churches must of necessity be' themselves well instructed. 
One cannot teach others if he is ignorant. The blind cannot lead 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 223 

the blind. The shepherd cannot lead the flock into green pas- 
tures unless he knows where the pastures are and the places of 
shelter and safety. That uneducated preachers have, in times 
gone, done much good, and built up the cause of Christ, is em- 
phatically true. But these times and conditions have forever 
passed. In these days of steam, electricity, daily mail, public 
schools and colleges, the people are becoming better educated 
and more intelligent, and, of necessity, their leaders must be in 
advance of them. There is no profession or occupation that 
needs more thorough and diversified education than that of our 
preachers." 

A good report on Sunday schools was presented by E. W. 
Roark, whose home was at Ebenezer, and whose memory is cher- 
ished, not only in his own community, but elsewhere as well. 

The meeting was short, and nothing of unusual interest oc- 
curred. 



1 RQQ On the 6th of October the saints assembled 

at Bethlehem church, Amite county, to hold 
the ninety-third annual meeting of the ' ' old Mississippi. " H. H. 
Ratcliff and Chas. Hooper were the reading clerks, and the body 
was organized by retaining E. A. Bates and E. Gardner as mod- 
erator and secretary, while Sam B. Robinson was chosen cus- 
todian of the funds. 

An address of welcome on behalf of the church and commun- 
ity was made by Pigot Lea, and the response for the Association 
was made by Edgar Godbold. 

The visitors from other bodies were : J. B. Lawrence, from the 
Yazoo Association; H. D. Scarborough, from the Fair River; 
H. S. Archer, from the Carey, and D. M. Huff, from the Bogue 
Chitto. 

Elder E. Gardner preached the annual sermon at the begin- 
ning of the evening session on the first day. 

The following resolution was presented by J. H. Lane, and 
adopted : 
"To the Hon. F. A. McLain and the Hon. Pat. Henry: 

"We, the Mississippi Baptist Association, now in session, do 
hereby most respectfully ask you, as our Congressmen, to use 
your splendid ability to secure the prompt expulsion of Brigham 
H. Roberts, of Utah, the avowed polygamist and covenant- 
breaker, from Congress." 



224 ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 

Elder S. H. Thompson, now growing old and feeble, was in 
the meeting, and, in recognition of his past services, a collection 
was taken for his benefit. 

A mass meeting was held on Sunday morning, conducted by 
J. R. Baham, and the report on Sunday schools was read by 
T. J. J. Spurlock. The preaching on the Lord's day was done 
by J. B. Lawrence and H. S. Archer, the former in the house 
and the latter in the grove. 

A fine report on "pastoral support" was presented by H. H. 
Rat cliff, chairman of the committee, from which this extract is 
taken: "Of all professions, we conceive of none where adequate 
remuneration is more sacred or obligatory than money which 
rightly belongs to the gospel minister. When we, through negli- 
gence or indifference, withhold our support from our preachers, 
we greatly impair and handicap their usefulness. No minister 
is competent to teach or rightly divine the Word of God with- 
out giving his whole time to the study of the Bible. Xo lawyer, 
physician or other professional man can consume time with any- 
thing else but his avocation, unless he suffer. This same un- 
divided and constant attention to ministerial work will also 
suffer if pastors are compelled to resort to outside duties to se- 
cure a livelihood." The other members of the committee with 
Mr. Ratcliff were Ardry Toler and Henry Ballard. 

The report on "church discipline," among other things, says: 
1 ' One of the greatest difficulties with which we have to contend 
is the fear of wounding feelings and giving offense, and thus 
frequently members are allowed to go on in gross sins, such as 
profanity, drunkenness, etc. The command is plain and em- 
phatic to withdraw from those who walk disorderly, and yet, 
because of this fear, we often hold our peace and the cause of 
Christ suffers. Let our people consider which is the more 
serious, to grieve the Holy Spirit or wound the feelings of the 
offender." 

For several years the minutes of the General Sunday School 
Convention have been published with those of the Association. 
The Convention met this year with the Gloster church and Sun- 
day school on April 29th. and held a two days' session. Ten 
schools were represented, as follows: Gloster, Liberty, New 
Providence, Mount Olive, Hebron, Bethlehem, East Fork. Hom- 
iny Creek, Ebenezer and Gillsburg. 

M. H. Martin was elected president, and S. B. Robinson sec- 
retary. Quite a number of essays were read, and some fine dis- 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 225 

cussions were had. At eleven a. m. on the Sabbath T. C. Schil- 
ling preached to an immense congregation from Isaiah, 62: 1. 
Theme, " Christian Zeal." 

The following list will indicate the arrangement of pastors 
and churches this year : 

J. J. Walker was bishop of Bethel, Hebron and Mount Pleas- 
ant; T. C. Schilling served Bethlehem, Gillsburg and Liberty; 
E. H. Hanlin was pastor at Concord; Thomas Lansdell preached 
for Ebenezer; J. H. Lane ministered to East Fork; J. P. Cul- 
pepper was bishop at Gloster; E. Gardner served Hopewell, New 
Providence and New Zion; J. B. Lawrence was pastor of Mars 
Hill; J. L. Price preached for Mount Olive; J. E. Lowe served 
Mount Zion; Z. Lofton ministered to New Salem and Siloam; 
J. E. "Wills preached for Ramah; J. R. Mullins was pastor of 
New Hope, and R. J. Boone preached for Whitestown. 



J. BENJAMIN LAWRENCE. 



J. Benjamin Lawrence was born in Rankin county, Missis- 
sippi, July 10, 1873. When he was three years old his parents 
moved to Goshen Springs, Miss., a small town in the northern 
part of the county. Here his boyhood days were spent until 



226 ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 

he entered Mississippi College in 1895. From this institution 
he was graduated with the A. B. degree in 1899, and with the 
M. A. degree in 1901. While in school he served country 
churches, his full time being occupied. During his last year at 
college he was pastor of Mars Hill church, Mississippi Associa- 
tion, continuing in this service until called to the pastorate at 
Greenwood, Miss. 

In the fall of 1900 Mr. Lawrence was married to Miss Helen 
Alford. of Goshen Springs, Miss. During his two years at 
Greenwood there was a large increase in the membership, and a 
pastor's home was built. From here he went to Brownsville,. 
Tenn., where he served as pastor for two years, during which 
there was a marked increase in the membership and in contribu- 
tions, the latter nearly doubling. His next move was to Hum- 
boldt, Tenn., where he was bishop for three years. In the mat- 
ter of contributions, the church went from $1,600 to $3,600, be- 
ing the leading church in the State in the amount of money 
given for benevolent work. There were also constant accessions 
by experience and baptism. 

In April, 1907, Mr. Lawrence assumed the care of the Coli- 
seum Place church. New Orleans, his present charge. During 
his first year here there were seventy-five additions to the mem- 
bership, more than one-half cf whom came in by baptism. Dur- 
ing the first half of the present year (1908) there have been few 
Sundays without baptisms. Mr. K. H. Brown, the senior dea- 
con of this church, says : c ' There has never been a year in the 
history of this church during my period of membership in which 
there has been such marked progress as there has been this 
year." In accepting the call to the Coliseum Place church, he 
sent the congregation this message : " I am coming to you with 
the purpose of doing the work of my life." 

Mr. Lawrence is specially gifted in oratory. He was a dis- 
tinguished speaker during his college days, winning a medal at 
Natchez, Miss., in 1899. With consecrated powers of mind and 
heart, a career of great usefulness is promised him. 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 



227 



J. J. Walker was born near Westville, Miss., April 21, 1853. 
He professed religion when seventeen years old, uniting with the 
church at Cato, Miss. He was married to Miss Sarah J. Brown 
in February, 1876. He was licensed to preach in 1877, and was 
ordained in 1879. 

For ten years Mr. Walker served churches in Simpson and 
Covington counties, when he moved to Hebron, Lawrence county, 




J. J. WALKER. 



serving two years as missionary of the Strong River Associa- 
tion. During this time his wife died, and he resigned his work 
and moved to Wesson, Miss. His second marriage was to Mrs. 
Fannie Pettigrew, February 8, 1893, and in November of that 
year he moved to McComb City. His next move was to Amite 
county in 1898. Here he spent ten years more of active work, 
serving a number of churches within the bounds of the "old 
Mississippi. ' ' 



228 



ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 



Mr. Walker is an ardent friend of missions and an uncom- 
promising advocate of prohibition. His reports and speeches, 
especially on these two subjects, will long be remembered in this 
Association. His last home in Amite county was at Glading, 
on the Liberty- White Railroad. At the close of 1906 he resigned 
all his work with a view of going West, but, under the divine 
leading, he accepted work at Shubuta, Miss., his present field. 

Mr. Walker is an active and zealous pastor, and, like all faith- 
ful preachers, has experienced many trials and difficulties; but 
it is his fixed purpose to give himself wholly to the Lord's work 
until He shall say, " It is enough ; come up higher. ' ' 




SAM B. ROBINSON. 



Sam B. Robinson was born near Liberty, Miss., September 11, 
1869. He was educated in the common schools and in the Lib- 
erty Male and Female College, afterwards taking a teacher's 
training course under Prof. A. H. Ellett and others at Iuka, 
Miss. He began office work as a bookkeeper at Gloster, Miss., 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 



229 



in 1894. He was married February 12, 1896, to Miss Delia 
May Jenkins, and located this year at Liberty, organizing the 
W. L. Robinson Company, of which he is still the manager. 

He was elected superintendent of the Liberty Baptist Sun- 
day school in 1900, and ordained to the deaconship in 1901. Un- 
der his leadership the Sunday school has grown to more than 
one hundred pupils, has a full set of officers and teachers, and 
is one of the most efficient and liberal Sunday schools in the 
country. They also have a branch school with an enrollment of 
some thirty-five or forty pupils. 

Mr. Robinson is likewise a zealous and faithful deacon, a good 
business man, and is of strong help to his pastor, his church and 
community. He was treasurer of the Association in 1899. 




JAMES B. QUIN. 



James B. Quin was born near Marlin, Texas, July 8, 1874. 
His parents, Mr. and Mrs. John H. Quin, moved back to Pike 
county, Mississippi, in the fall of 1874, and settled on Bogue 



230 ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 

Chitto river, where the subject of this sketch was reared. He 
united with Friendship church, near McComb City, in 1893, 
and was ordained to the ministry at this church in 1900. He re- 
ceived his education in the public schools and in Mississippi 
College, spending five years at the latter institution. 

"While in college Mr. Quin was fall orator of the Theological 
Society one session, and during his senior year was first orator 
on the anniversary occasion. In addition to his college course, 
he has spent one session at the Broughton Bible Conference, At- 
lanta, Ga. 

He has served Mount Zion, Mars Hill and Liberty churches in 
the Mississippi Association; also, Friendship, Shady Grove and 
East McComb, in the Bogue Chitto Association. He was pastor 
at Yazoo City, Miss., for fifteen months. He is at present (1908) 
located at Prentiss, Miss., on the Mississippi Central Railroad, 
wehre he has a growing work. His wife was Miss Myra E. 
Dodds, of near Hazlehurst, Miss., to whom he was married Janu- 
ary 12, 1904. He is a young man of energy and consecration, 
with fine possibilities before him. He is a grandson of the late 
James B. Quin, for whom he was named, and who was for many 
years prominently connected with the Mississippi Association. 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 



231 



W. A. Hewitt was born in Amite county, Mississippi, Janu- 
ary 4, 1876. He is the eldest son of T. J. Hewitt, and was reared 
on the farm, attending the public schools until he was eighteen 
years of age, when he entered Mississippi College, spending five 
years in that institution and graduating with the B. A. degree. 
He professed religion while quite young, uniting with Mars 
Hill church. He was early impressed that it was his duty to 




W. A. HEWITT. 



preach, and so did not delay the work. His ordination to the 
ministry occurred at his home church, the ordaining council be- 
ing composed of Elders J. H. Lane and A. V. Rowe. 

After graduating from Mississippi College, Mr. Hewitt ac- 
cepted the principalship of the Osyka Graded School, Osyka, 
Miss., teaching one session and preaching to five churches. He 
then took a course of study at the Theological Seminary at 
Louisville, Ky., and has also studied at the University of Chi- 
cago. His next field of labor was at Columbia, Miss., where he 



232 ABSTKACT HISTORY OF THE 

remained three and a half years. He was married January 22, 
1902, to Miss Olive Haley, of McComb City, Miss. 

In 1905 Mr. Hewitt accepted his present charge at Colum- 
bus, Miss., since which time the membership of his church has 
been largely increased, and a new house of worship erected at 
a cost of $40,000. He is a fluent speaker, and, as his lifework 
is just beginning, he has the promise of large usefulness and 
power. 



1 QQQ New Salem was the place of meeting on the 

13th of October. Twenty churches were 
represented, and the Association was organized by electing J. H. 
Lane moderator, E. Gardner clerk and Willam H. Causey 
treasurer. 

J. P. Culpepper was the preacher of the annual sermon, and a 
number of addresses were made on the "New Century Move- 
ment," as follows: J. J. Walker discussed "The Spread of 
Baptist Principles in the Last Century," J. H. Lane spoke on 
the "Distinctive Principles of Baptists," and John P. Culpepper 
made an address on the ' ' Hope of the Century. ' ' 

There was preaching during the meeting by J. J. W. Matthis, 
J. J. Walker and J. H. Lane. 

The matter of erecting a monument at the grave of the late 
Elder Zachariah Reeves was discussed, and a committee of 
three— viz., C. P. Jones, J. A. Burris and Winchester Everett— 
was appointed to raise the necessary funds. 

J. P. Culpepper presented the report on the "New Century 
Movement, ' ' which closes in this way : ' ' We are more than 2,000 
strong. It is with sadness that we must say that we gave last 
year eleven cents apiece for missions. We would recommend that 
a New Century meeting be held in all the churches during the 
year, and that special efforts be made to enlist all the members 
of the churches in the salvation of the world. May it be that, 
before the New Century that is about to be born, has rolled its 
years away, our blessed Lord will come back to earth to claim 
His own." 

The routine business was finished and the body adjourned to , 
meet a year hence with Mars Hill. 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 



233 



Joel H. Lane was born in Rankin county, Miss., October 9, 
1862. He was educated at Mississippi College and the Southern 
Baptist Theological Seminary. In 1882 he was licensed to preach 




JOEL H. LANE. 



by the church at Clinton, Miss., and ordained at Salem church, 
Simpson county, January 30, 1885. Fe taught school in this 
county and served Strong River and Hepzibah churches one 
year. He then located at McComb City, serving as pastor there 
(16) 



234 ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 

and at Magnolia. While in the seminary at Louisville he was 
pastor one year at Jeffersonville, Ind. Returning to his native 
State, he was pastor at Osyka and Amite City, La. 

Mr. Lane's next move was to East Fork, Amite county, Where 
he built a good home and served as pastor of East Fork church 
for eleven years. He was also bishop at Mars Hill for several 
years during this time, both these churches having services two 
Sundays a month. Other churches ministered to in Amite coun- 
ty were Hebron, Liberty, Gillsburg, Mt. Vernon and Tangipa- 
hoa. At the latter he led the saints in the work of building an 
elegant house of worship. He was a zealous leader in founding 
and maintaining the East Fork high school, an institution which 
flourished several years. He enjoys the distinction of having 
baptized five hundred and eighty persons in the river Amite, be- 
sides doing much other pastoral work. In 1903 he left the "old 
Mississippi" and moved to Magnolia, again building a neat home 
and remaining four years. While here he was pastor of a num- 
ber of churches in town and country. His next move was to Mc- 
Comb City, his present field. Here he built a commodious home 
on " College Hill," and here he ministers to the South McComb 
Baptist church and others around. His church has grown into 
a large and influential body, and owfts a good house of worship. 
In addition to his work as a pastor, Mr. Lane has given much 
time to evangelistic work with good results. 

His wife was Miss Julia Dampeer, youngest daughter of Col. 
J. M. Dampeer, to whom he was married November 30, 1890. 
They have five children, two sons and three daughters. 

Mr. Lane is of genial disposition and ready wit, and makes 
many friends. He has celebrated as many as three marriages in 
one day and had an invitation for the fourth, but, there being a 
limit to his physical endurance, he failed to reach the last. He 
is a man of faith and prayer, and of good ability. 

The picture on the preceding page represents him in his study. 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 



235 



William H. Causey was born near Liberty, Miss., May 9, 1848, 
and spent his youth there, except three years. He was away two 
years in the Southern army, and it was while in camp at Gren- 
ada, Miss., in 1864, that he professed faith in Christ and was 
baptized. He was married December 28, 1871, to Miss Mary J. 
Rice, daughter of the late Robert T. Rice. 













1 




MKt 


i 












"*2T5H 


._ . ■ 



WILLIAM H. CAUSEY. 



Mr. Causey has been a deacon of the Liberty Baptist church 
some eighteen or twenty years, is regular in attending worship 
and faithful in the discharge of his duties. He is a grandson 
of William Causey, the second treasurer of the Association, an 
account of whose life has already been given. 

He is a well-to-do farmer and lives near the courthouse town 
in old Amite. He has reared a family of several children. 



236 



ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 



W. K. Anderson was born in Amite county, Miss., May 11, 
1860, growing to manhood and attending school in his native 
county. In 1880 he united with East Fork church, and in 1891 
was ordained to the work of the ministry. He has served a num- 
ber of churches as pastor, being at present actively engaged in 
the work. He has been twice married, first to Miss Minnie Bur- 




W. K. ANDERSON. 



ris, on May 8, 1883, and second to Mrs. Alice Causey New- 
man, August 22, 1907. 

Mr. Anderson is a conscientious and devout man and a use- 
ful preacher. In his pastoral work during these sixteen years 
he has traveled 11,000 miles, preached 600 sermons, made 1,000 
visits and baptized nearly 250 persons. He is a student of the 
Word and knows how to endure hardness as a good soldier of 
Jesus Christ. His home is at Glading, Miss. 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 



237 



J. J. Stringfield was born in Washington parish, La., June 
19, 1859, and was reared on the farm, attending the public and 
private schools of the country. He united with Ml Pisgah 
church, near his home, when sixteen years old, and was baptized 
by the late Elder F. W. Eady. When quite young he felt that 
it would be his duty to preach, and desired better preparation. 
Accordingly he entered school at Gillsburg, Miss., in 1888, and 
on the 9th of March, 1890, was licensed by the Gillsburg church. 




J. J. STRINGFIELD. 

His ordination occurred at Gloster, Miss., in 1898, the ordain- 
ing council being composed of Elders R. J. Stewart, E. T. Smith 
and M. T. Martin. 

Owing to a serious and protracted affliction from rheumatism, 
Mr. Stringfield has never been able to enter the work of the 
ministry as he had hoped, but has spent his time mainly in 
teaching. He has served one term as assessor of Amite county, 
and in 1907 was elected county treasurer. His home is at Lib- 
erty, Miss. 



238 ABSTEACT HISTORY OF THE 

1QQ1 The "old Mississippi, " in common with the 

rest of the world, has now entered the twen- 
tieth century, and her own centennial is rapidly approaching. On 
the 11th of October the tribes gather at Mars Hill to hold the 
ninety-fifth annual session. T. C. Schilling is elected moderator, 
E. Gardner clerk, and J. D. Lea treasurer. The annual sermon 
is delivered by E. Gardner. 

I. H. Anding and W. R. Walker come from the Bogue Chitto 
Association; S. J. McBride from the Copiah county Association, 
and L. D. Scarborough from the Fair River. A. V. Rowe, the 
indefatigable mission secretary, is present from the Convention 
Board, ready to speak in behalf of a perishing world. 

J. J. Walker, a man full of missionary zeal, submits a good re- 
port on missions, which is discussed by him and Secretary Rowe, 
and a special prayer for the work is led by T. C. Schilling. It 
is worthy of remark that the spirit of world-evangelization has 
been growing with the passing years, until the subject now has 
the right of way, and no one thinks of opposing the great cause. 
There have all along been a few earnest souls who talked and 
worked for missions, while the masses have been indifferent, but 
now the interest is more general and the zeal greater. There re- 
mains, however, much to be done, if we would obey the last 
command of the risen Savior. 

This report says: "Baptists are fast learning that our great 
business in this world is evangelization. The 'Go* of the com- 
mission is as mandatory, and is as much fraught with promise, 
as is the 'Baptize.' He who neglects either or opposes either 
fails equally in meeting the conditions of the promise, 'Lo, I 
am with you all the days.' " 

It is also manifest that the temperance sentiment has been 
growing, along with other questions of progress. For many 
years strong reports on the evil of intoxicants have been pre- 
sented and discussed. And while a complete victory over this 
sin has not been won, there can be no doubt that a gratifying 
advance has been made. The report this year says: "But as to 
the use of alcoholic drinks as a beverage, we should be more than 
temperate— we should abstain altogether from it. We believe it 
to be unbecoming a Christian even to take a little. The time 
was when but little was thought if a Christian took a drink, 
but that time is past. It is a shame for us to taste the fluid :hat 
has brought so much woe to our land and country. ' ' 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 239 

There was preaching on the Lord's day by T. C. Schilling and 
J. B. Quin, the former in the church and the latter in the school- 
house. Collections were taken for Elder S. H. Thompson and 
the Baptist Orphanage. 

The committee appointed last year to raise funds to erect a 
monument at the grave of Zachariah Reeves made the follow- 
ing report : 

"We succeeded in raising a fund of $90 from the churches 
and relatives. We have contracted for the best we could get 
for that amount. The monument will have a base rock two f« j e A 
square, and a shaft fourteen inches square, standing six feet ten 
inches in height. The inscription to contain an open Bible, name, 
dates of birth and death and ordination to the ministry, and 
number of years serving as moderator of this Association. 

"As his wife and daughter (the only members of his family 
buried there) are on each side of his grave, the contractor kindly 
offered to inscribe their names, dates of birth and death, on their 
respective sides of the monument, without additional cost." 

The committee also requested the Association to inclose the 
monument and graves with a substantial fence, and a collection 
of $20 was taken for this purpose. 

W. B. Kinabrew, chairman of the committee, writes in a. 
forcible way on "Pastoral Support," as follows: 

"That it is the duty of the churches to support the pastors 
will not be disputed. The Scriptures say that those who pre *eh 
the gospel should live of the gospel. But the question is : What 
kind of a living should we give our pastors?' In estimating the 
wages of any laborer, several things are to be considered. 1. 
What talent does it take to enable one to perform the work? 2. 
What training and expense does it require? And, lastly, what 
value is the work when accomplished? If we apply these tests 
to the preachng of the gospel and performing pastoral work, we 
will find that it takes the best talent to be had, and it requires 
much training and a considerable expense to qualify one for the 
work. And this talent, training and expense should command 
as much as like qualificaions in other callings." 

The statistical tables show 208 baptisms, 2,692 members and the 
sum of $6,779.99 contributed. 



240 



ABSTRACT HISTOEY OF THE 



The following biography was prepared by Elder W. F. Yar- 
borough, pastor of the First Baptist Church, Jackson, Miss. : 

No history of the Mississippi Association would be complete 
without some notice of the life and labors of this faithful serv- 
ant of God. 




T. C. SCHILLING. 



T. C. Schilling was born in Washington parish, La., January 
23, 1853. He professed religion at seventeen years of age, being 
baptized into the fellowship of Mt. Hermon church of Louisiana. 
He received his early education in the neighborhood schools. 
Prominent among his instructors was Prof. W. H. Dixon, an 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 241 

Englishman, and a man of scholarly attainments and fine teach- 
ing ability. Later he enjoyed a course of instruction under the 
lamented M. S. Shirk, of Osyka, one of the ripest scholars of 
all that section. Some years after his marriage and his ordina- 
tion to the ministry, he was induced to undertake a course of 
study in Mississippi College. Accordingly, in the fall of 1880 he 
moved to Clinton and entered the college, but was forced after 
a short time, by serious and continued illness in his family, to 
give up his cherished undertaking and return home, to take up 
whatever work the Lord might open to him. 

Though frustrated in his plans for a college education, he had 
already learned one of the main lessons intended for the col- 
lege student— that of continuous application to his studies. He 
has never ceased to be a student, especially of the Book, and has 
been able to hold his own with many men of better advantages as 
a master of clear, concise and forceful expression, and as an 
exponent of Bible doctrines. Service in his early life as book- 
keeper and school teacher proved very helpful as a factor in his 
preparation for his life work. 

He was married February 3, 1876, to Miss Angie D. James, who 
has proved herself a faithful and devoted wife. Blessings on 
these faithful and self-sacrificing preachers' wives, who "stay 
by the stuff," rear the children and bear the burdens, through 
winter's storms and summer's sun, while their husbands are 
giving their lives to make the world better and to lift souls to 
heaven. Truly theirs is the harder lot and theirs ought to be 
the greater glory, though they are the faithful ones whose toils 
and tears and sacrifices are unknown to the world. 

Bro. Schilling was licensed to preach in 1873, and ordained in 
1876, the presbytery being composed of Elders W. J. Fortin- 
berry, C. F. Crawford, "W. H. and E. M. Schilling. His minis- 
terial labors have been mainly in Amite and Pike counties, Miss., 
he having also served a number of churches in Louisiana. In an 
unexpected and providential way his life became linked with 
the little village of Gillsburg, Amite county, and eternity alone 
will reveal the value of his contribution to the religious and edu- 
cational interests of that community. This inland village came 
to be known far and near through the Gillsburg Collegiate In- 
stitute, founded in 1882 by Mr. W. A. Gill, whose generous giv- 
ing and unselfish devation to the public good entitle him to rank 
among the world's benefactors. i,' 



242 ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 

In the fall of 1882 Bro. Schilling was unexpectedly called to 
the pastorate of Jerusalem Baptist church, two miles distant 
from Gillsburg. During the following year, while serving this 
church, he was invited by Mr. Gill to preach on Sunday after- 
noons of the same year at Gillsburg, for which service Mr. Gill 
himself paid. So satisfactory was the service rendered that at 
the beginnng of the next year, January 3, 1884, Bro. Schilling 
found himself a resident of Gillsburg as pastor of the Gillsburg 
Baptist church, largely through the influence of Mr. Gill. The 
best twenty years of his life he gave to this place, nineteen of 
them as pastor of the church. For seventeen years he was Secre- 
tary of the Board of Trustees of the Gillsburg Institute, and in 
this position was usually foremost in procuring new teachers. 
He rendered valuable service in writing for the papers and in 
soliciting pupils for the institution. For this latter work he had 
fine opportunities, as he went among the surrounding churches 
in evangelistic labors and as pastor (for Gillsburg was not a full- 
time church) . Among others, he served such strong churches as 
Ebenezer, Liberty and East Fork. His work has been greatly 
blessed, but especially so at Gillsburg, where he labored for so 
many years. Here he touched many lives for good and baptized 
many happy converts into the membership of the church. As 
student of the Gillsburg Institute it was the writer's privilege 
to sit under his ministry for two years, and it gives him pleasure 
to testify that he was "a good minister of Jesus Christ,' ' as he 
faithfully, earnestly and conscientiously broke the bread of life 
to perishing men and women. For twenty-six consecutive years 
he has ministered to churches in Amite county. 

December 16, 1903, Bro. Schilling moved to Magnolia, Miss., 
from which place he continues to serve surrounding churches. 
For twenty-four years his time has been fully occupied, and, al- 
though past the age when many preachers are said to pass the 
dead line, he continues in demand with the churches. For a 
number of years he was a member of the Convention Board. His 
painstaking and systematic methods are manifest in his habit 
of keeping a record of all his work from the first, such as days 
of service, miles traveled, sermons preached, baptisms adminis- 
tered, marriage ceremonies performed, funerals conducted, etc. 
He has gathered a fairly good collection of books, which he knows 
how to use to the best advantage, and his continued usefulness 
is accounted for by the fact that he continues to study. As 
long as a minister of the Word can bring out of God 's storehouse 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 



treasures new and old, there will be a place for him among the 
churches. Too many pastors with churches widely separated al- 
low their habits of study to become completely demoralized. 

During his busy ministry he has found time to read a number 
of denominational papers and to contribute valuable articles to 
some of them. He seems still in the vigor of a useful life, with 
the prospects before him of filling his remaining years with some 
of the best work of his life. 

God be praised for the "old guard" of faithful country pas- 
tors, the worth of whose services will never be known till the 
books are opened up yonder. 

W. F. Yarborough. 




J. D. LEA. 



J. D. Lea was born near Liberty, Miss., July 13, 1850, and 
was reared on the farm, receiving his education in the country 
schools. He professed religion at the age of fourteen, uniting 
with the church at Liberty. His marriage to Miss Janie Going, 



244 ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 

of Clinton, La., was celebrated on the 29th of December, 1875. 
In the year 1882 he was ordained to the office of deacon, and at 
the same time was elected church treasurer, which position he 
has continued to fill. 

Mr. Lea is a son of the late W. Z. Lea, who was so long identi- 
fied with the work of this body. He is a well-to-do farmer and a 
useful citizen, living in his native community, four miles from 
Liberty. He is faithful in his church relations and ready for 
every good work. He was treasurer of the Association three 
years— 1901, 1902 and 1903. 



1 QQ2 ^ ne Association met with Bethel church, Amite 

county, October 10th. The officers chosen 
were W. B. Kinabrew moderator, T. C. Schilling clerk, and J. D. 
Lea treasurer. J. H. Lane was the annual preacher, whose text 
was I Kings, 17 : 14. The Berwick church was received, her mes- 
sengers being W. D. Hazlewood and W. I. Causey. 

The usual committees were appointed, who presented reports 
on the various subjects, and it was agreed to shape the business 
with a view to adjourning on Sunday evening. 

The Reeves Monument Committee made a final report as fol- 
lows: "We have inclosed it with durable material and paid for 
same. Memorial services were held at New Zion church, near 
the grave, on the fourth Sunday in November, and suitable ad- 
dresses were delivered by C. H. Otken and Geo. F. Webb." 

This was not long before Mr. Webb 's death, and it must have 
been an affecting service, as he spoke of the old preacher with 
whom he was so long associated, serving with him at one time as 
one of the officers of the body. 

There was preaching during the session by T. C. Schilling, J. 
P. Culpepper, J. H. Lane and 0. N. Harrington. Elder S. H. 
Thompson was present, and the usual collection was taken for 
him, Mr. Thompson leading in a fervent prayer. 

A number of deaths are reported this year, as follows : A. J. 
Bates, of Bethlehem ; William Sanders, of Bethel ; W. H. Turner, 
of Mars Hill; Samuel L. Scott, of Hopewell; L. Q. Smith, of 
Gillsburg; John W. Lusk, of Gloster; Geo. P. Gardner and Lee 
Williams, of East Fork, and Geo. F. Webb, of Liberty. 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 



245 



W. B. Kinabrew was born and reared in Amite county, Miss., 
and educated in the country schools. In 1849 he graduated in 
medicine from the medical department of the University of 
Louisville, Ky., and afterward took a course in the Jefferson 
School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pa. He has been twice mar- 
ried, his present wife being a daughter of the late Lewis Perkins, 
a sketch of whose life has been given. 

Dr. Kinabrew was ordained to the deaconship forty years ago, 
and has used his office well. He has been for many years a 




W. B. KINABREW. 



leader in Sunday school and church work. He is a man of public 
and progressive spirit, and stands as a tower of strength in his 
community and county. He began the practice of medicine at his 
present home in 1849, and thus, for more than half a century, 
has been ministering to suffering humanity. His views on the 
liquor question are well and widely known, and he has written 
and spoken much against the "matchless evil.' , He is at pres- 
ent (1908) the moderator of the Mississippi Association, having 
served since 1902. He takes great interest in all the work of 
the denomination, and is a pronounced friend of the ministry. 



246 ABSTEACT HISTORY OF THE 

Dr. Kinabrew was requested to give some of his early recol- 
lections of the preachers who served as pastors of Ebenezer 
church, and the following is his reply, which will be read with 
interest : 

"My earliest recollection is of Elder Jesse Young. He preached 
to Ebenezer church when I was a little boy, and often came to 
our house. I think he was a man of very limited education so 
far as school training was concerned. But it is a mistake to say 
that these old ministers were not educated. They were self-edu- 
cated. They studied the Scriptures prayerfully and had good 
ideas. Bro. Young lived in the eastern part of the county, travel- 
ing about forty miles to preach to this church, and was paid very 
little for his services. 

"My next knowledge of a pastor was of Elder A. McKenzie. 
His sermons always ended in a warm exhortation. He would 
come down from the pulpit, walk back and forth, and plead with 
his audience with great warmth and feeling. 

"Elder T. M. Bond conducted several revivals here, having 
been previously the pastor. He preached long sermons and was 
highly esteemed. 

"Next came Milton S. Shirk. He was a learned man and was 
called to the church while teaching a female school at Liberty. 
He was the first pastor to receive a stipulated salary from the 
church, and I remember with what delicacy the deacons (Bros. 
Johns and Perkins) handled the subject. At that time people 
were very much afraid of ministers preaching for money. It 
was the custom to call a pastor and say nothing about pay. Some 
time during the year the deacons would raise a little money and 
hand it over to the preacher. Bro. Shirk always preached from 
manuscript, but his delivery was effective, and he was a popular 
preacher. 

"Elder Hamlin was a good speaker, but lived too far from 
the church to do pastoral work, and seemed not to have the 
talent to make him popular. He served one year. 

"Elder Peter Turner was a good preacher, very plain and 
practical and popular with the community. He was an Eng- 
lishman by birth and spoke with that peculiar brogue. He wore 
his (h)at, and wanted all the h(ends) of the h(earth) saved. 

"Elder S. S. Relyea was a learned man and preached long 
sermons, but was more successful as an educator than as pastor. 
He was a man of much learning and great talent, and was very 
popular as a teacher. 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 247 

' ' Elder Sam Hayden was a young man and had great influ- 
ence with the young people; in fact, with all the community, 
and the church was loath to part with him. Elder Geo. Hayden 
was also a good preacher. 

"Elder L. Schofield preached good practical sermons, but 
lived too far to do much pastoral work. He had a talent to mix 
with the people and was well liked. 

"Elder Thomas Lansdell was an able minister. He preached 
from manuscript able, logical and well-constructed sermons. He 
was modest and of a retiring disposition, so much so as to be ap- 
preciated for his full value only by those who knew him best. 
He is still living, but is very feeble in body and mind. He is loved 
and honored by the whole community." 

Since the above was written, Mr. Lansdell has been called 
from his earthlv toils to the haven of rest. 



1 Qf)^ Liberty is the place where the messengers, 

visitors and friends meet this year on the 9th 
of October. Twenty churches respond to the rollcall, and the 
body is organized by re-electing the former officers. 

Memorial church was received, the messengers being E. L. 
Perkins and M. Dudding. The annual sermon was preached by 
J. B. Quin from John, 12: 27, 28. Theme: "Fellowship of 
Suffering." 

The following report was made for preaching services : Joseph 
Jacob to preach Friday night at 7:30; J. J. Walker, on Satur- 
day night at the same hour. At 11 a. m. on the Lord's day, at the 
Baptist church, W. A. McComb ; at same hour, at the Presby- 
terian church, T. C. Schilling. 

The sum of $40 was raised with which to buy a milch cow for 
the Baptist Orphanage at Jackson. 

The Committee on Apportionment declared the time to be here 
when the churches should do better things for God, and the ag- 
gregate amount named was $1,825. 

The report on "Work Among the Negroes" has this to say 
concerning a certain book: "There is now a dangerous book in 
circulation among our people, which should be spoken against 
everywhere by Christians; yet many professed Christians, who 
know more about the North Pole than they do about the Bible, 
find time to read this book, 'The Negro a Beast/ and talk about 
the poor negro as being some kind of a brute without a ^lame. 



248 ABSTEACT HISTOEY OF THE 

We will extend to him the hand of Christian fellowship and bid 
him Godspeed in the Christian race." Some resolutions were 
passed condemning this book, and warning all people, young and 
old, against buying or reading the same. 

A new preacher comes on the scene this year in the person of 
W. A. McComb, of Gloster. 

Present history is now being written, but in the years to come 
the descendants of this generation may be interested in knowing 
who served on committees this year. Hence the following list 
is given : 

Publications— T. C. Schilling, I. D. Sterling, W. E. and J. 0. 
Burris. 

Woman's Worh—W. A. McComb, G. T. Dunn, W. E. Young. 

Pastoral Support— H. R. Causey, H. L. Smith, R. E. Godwin. 

Mississippi College— J. B ! . Quin, Morris Smith, Asa Cotton. 

Ministerial Education— ~E. P. Burris, T. J. Cruise, J. B. Quin. 

Missions— J. J. Walker, C. L. Hazlewood, H. D. Sandifer. 

Sunday Schools— M. H. Martin, L. W. Walker, M. Murray. 

Orphanage— T. J. J. Spurlock, J. J. Butler, W. M. Newman. 

Temperance— J. W. Mathis, Z. T. Travis, M. B. Robinson, M. 
L. Dudding. 

Smstenation—'W . Everett, E. B. McLain, J. W. Marsalis, R. L. 
Perkins. 

Finance— H. H. Ratcliff, J. M. McGehee, W. P. Anderson. 

Obituaries— Z. Lofton, J. T. Caraway, G. A. Bilbo. 

Apportionment — J. J. Walker, J. P. Porter, W. H. Webb. 

Nominations— -;S. B. Robinson, Scott Nunnery, I. W. S. Han- 
cock. 

Work Among the Negroes— W. A. McComb, W. H. Bates, R. 
E. L. McLain. 

Religious Services— J. B. Quin, S. B. Robinson, J. D. Lea, W. 
H. Causey. 

Pastoral relations for 1903 were as follows: J. J. Walker 
served Berwick and Bethel; J. M. Cook preached for Bethlehem; 
J. R. G. Reeves was pastor of Concord; E. Gardner ministered 
to Ebenezer, Memorial and New Providence ; T. C. Schilling was 
bishop at Gillsburg and East Fork; W. A. McComb served Glos- 
ter; 0. N. Harrington preached for Hopewell; J. H. Lane was 
pastor of Hebron ; J. B. Quin ministered to Liberty and Mt. Zion ; 
S. W. Sibley was bishop of Mars Hill; J. L. Price served Mt. 
Olive; J. R. Baham preached for Mt. Pleasant, Amite; W. J. 
Weatherly was pastor of Mt. Pleasant, Franklin ; G. S. Jenkins 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 



249 



ministered to New Salem ; J. J. Stringfield served New Zion ; Z. 
Lofton preached for Ramah, and B. Y. Alford was pastor of 
Silo am. 

This meeting was held at Liberty at the request of W. Z. Lea, 
Sr., who felt that it would be his last time to attend his old As- 
sociation, which proved to be true. At the close of the proceed- 
ings, while a hymn was being sung, many friends gave Mr. Lea 
and wife the parting hand. 




W. A. McCOMB. 



W. A. McComb was born in Perry county, Miss., near Hatties- 
burg. His parents were Dr. H. H. and Mrs. M. J. McComb. His 
father died when the subject of this sketch was an infant, he 
being the youngest of three children. His early education was 
received in the country schools. At the age of twenty-one he 
entered Mississippi College, where he spent six years, graduat- 
ing with the B. A. degree, and enjoying the confidence and es- 
teem of the faculty and students. During his college course he 
was captain of the Mississippi College Rifles, and Anniversarian 
of the Philomathean Society. 

After graduating at Mississippi College he traveled in the 
West during the summer, entering the Seminary at Louisville, 
(17) 



250 ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 



Ky., in the fall of 1888, where he spent the winter in study. 
The next two winters he studied in the Seminary at Eochester, 
N. Y., and Morgan Park, 111., graduating at the latter in April, 
1891. During this time he did some preaching, showing signs of 
evangelistic gifts and meeting with success as pastor supply. 

May 1, 1891, he began work as pastor at Corinth, Miss., where 
the church membership was doubled in three years, and a new 
brick churchhouse was built. His next pastorate was at Eureka 
Springs, Ark., where in two years over four hundred were added 
to the church. 

He was married August 29, 1895, to Miss May Willis, of 
Eureka Springs, Ark., who has made him a true helpmeet and 
added much to his efficiency. She has been the vice-president 
of Woman's Work of several associations, and has the honor of 
being the president of Woman's Work in Mississippi at the pres- 
ent time. They have two children, both daughters, who have re- 
cently been baptized by their father into the fellowship of the 
church of which he is at present the pastor. 

After leaving Arkansas, Mr. McComb's next work was at 
Piano, Texas. The work here was wonderfully blessed of the 
Lord. In three and a half years the church received over two 
hundred new members, and built a new brick church at a cost of 
$15,000. 

His next work was at Crystal Springs, Miss., where he was 
again blessed in his labors, not only as pastor, but in the evan- 
gelistic field. 

January 1, 1903, he became pastor of the First or Galilee Bap- 
tist church, of Gloster, Miss. His work here was also graciously 
blessed, doing likewise a good deal of evangelistic work in con- 
nection with his pastorate. He did much in the way of raising 
money to pay off church debts and to erect pastors' homes. 

October 1, 1907, he accepted a pressing call to Alexandria, La., 
his present field. It was hard for him and his wife, as well as 
the church at Gloster, to undergo this separation. Nothing but 
the impression of duty would have separated this pastor and 
church. Their work there for five years was one of harmony, co- 
operation, mutual affection and good will. 

While Mr. McComb has been in Alexandria only a few months* 
much has been accomplished. One hundred and eight new mem- 
bers have been added to the church, fifty-five of whom have come 
in by baptism. His church has also shown her interest in mis- 
sions to the amount of $2,500, besides contributing over $400 to 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 251 

the Orphanage and making needed improvements in the church 
property. 

Mr. McComb loves the evangelistic work and longs to be in it 
all the time. He preached the annual sermon at the centennial 
meeting of the Mississippi Association in 1906. 



1Q04 ^^ e mee ti n £ was ne ld tn i s y ear w ith Mt. Zion 

church, Franklin county, beginning October 
7th. Dr. Kinabrew was re-elected moderator, while J. M. Causey 
was chosen clerk and T. J. J. Spurlock treasurer. The Center- 
ville church was received, S. W. Sibley being the messenger. The 
Associational sermon was preached at the close of the session by 
E. Gardner. 

On Saturday afternoon the clerk offered, and the body 
adopted, a preamble and resolution deploring the action of the 
Association, in 1897, in withdrawing from Zion Hill church; 
also, imploring the forgiveness of said church, and inviting her 
to return to the old Mississippi Association. 

Some new pastors have come into the Association this year. 
Joseph Jacob serves Gillsburg; T. J. Barksdale is pastor of 
Hebron, Mt. Zion and New Zion, and S. W. Sproles preaches for 
Liberty and Mars Hill. 

The usual subjects were considered and the Association ad- 
journed to meet next year with East Fork. 



252 



ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 



T. J. J. Spurlock was born July 1, 1862, in Amite county, 
Miss., and grew up on the farm. He received his education in 
the country schools and was one year in the Zion Hill Academy, 
Amite county. 

He professed religion in 1878, uniting with East Fork church, 
and was soon elected church clerk, serving in that capacity 
twelve years. His marriage to Miss Janie Blanche Denman oc- 
curred September 10, 1884. They have four children, one daugh- 




T. J. J. SPURLOCK. 

ter and three sons. He was ordained to the office of deacon about 
1895, and was also elected church treasurer, which position lie 
yet fills. He has likewise served as Sunday school superintend- 
ent for twenty-two years. He is a fine singer and leads the music 
at his home church. 

Mr. Spurlock is a staunch and upright. citizen, standing square- 
ly for prohibition and moral progress. He has served his county 
one term as president of the Board of Supervisors. He is a de- 
vout Christian and is faithful in his church relations. He was 
Associational treasurer in 1904 and 1905. 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 253 

T. J. Barksdale was bom April 6, 1879. In his boyhood days 
he worked on the farm and attended the public schools. He 
professed faith in the Savior and was baptized into the fellow- 
ship of Pleasant Hill Baptist church, August, 1892. Soon after 
his conversion he felt a call to the ministry, and in the fall of 
189'8, entered Mississippi College. His ordination occurred at 
his home church in 1902, the ordain ins: council consisting of 




T. J. BARKSDALE. 

Elders S. R. Young, J. H. Purser and John Thompson. While in 
school he was pastor of Martin and Harris-ton chuiches, on the 
Yazoo and Mississippi Valley Railroad; also, Damascus, in 
Franklin county; Pleasant Grove, in Lincoln county, and Tangi- 
pahoa, in Amite county. He was clerk of the Union Association 
three years. On the 31st of May, 1904, he was graduated from 
Mississippi College with the A. B. degree. 



254 



ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 



Since leaving school, Mr. Barksdale has labored mainly in the 
Mississippi Association, serving Hebron, New Zion, Mars Hill 
and Monnt Zion. His present pastorate embraces Mars Hill, 
Tangipahoa and Glading churches. He is a young man of line 
qualities of mind and heart, and, withal, an excellent preacher. 
He is yet single, and contemplates taking an extended course 
of study in the Louisville Theological Seminary. Young, hale 
and buoyant, the years stretch before him with radiant hope. 




S. W. SPROLES. 



S. W. Sproles was born in Holmes county, Mississippi, No- 
vember 25, 1871, and was reared on the farm until he was 
eighteen years old. He professed faith in Christ, and united 
with the Baptist church at Durant, Miss., August, 1894. In 
November following he entered Mississippi College, remaining 
three years. He was then out of school two years, during which 
time four churches in the Kosciusko Association called him as 
their pastor, and asked the Durant church for his ordination. 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 255 

He was accordingly set apart to the full work of the ministry, 
the presbytery consisting of Elders J. P. Hickman, G. B. But- 
ler, J. T. Ellis and H. P. Hurt. 

On December 21, 1897, he was married to Miss Luella D. Hol- 
loway, of French Camp, Miss. In 1898 he returned to Missis- 
sippi College, spending part of two sessions, when, on account 
of failing health, he was compelled to give up his college course. 
He then resumed his work as pastor in the Kosciusko Associa- 
tion, laboring until October, 1902. Being desirous of further 
preparation for his ministerial work, he went to the Southern 
Baptist Theological Seminary, at Louisville, Ky., remaining 
nearly two years. 

His next move was to Liberty, Miss., his present home, assum- 
ing the pastoral care of the Liberty and Mars Hill churches. In 
addition to his home church, he serves at present (1908) the 
Gillsburg and Mount Vernon churches, Amite county. 

Mr. Sproles is a good preacher and an active pastor, and his 
work is making progress. Since his coming to Liberty four 
years ago, the church there has erected a cozy pastor's home 
and has otherwise grown and prospered. He bids fair to be a 
man of much usefulness. 



256 



ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 



Joseph Jacob was bcrn in Hinds county, Mississippi, Decem- 
ber 30, 1873. His parents died during the yellow fever epi- 
demic in 1878, and he was reared on the farm by his maternal 
grandparents. He united with the church at Learned, Miss., 
and almost simultaneous with his conversion he felt an impres- 
sion that he must preach. He attended Mississippi College five 
years, graduating in 1896 with the B. A. degree, and standing 
third in a class of eighteen. He was licensed to preach by the 




JOS. JACOB. 

church at Clinton, Miss., in 1895. After his graduation at the 
college he took a three years' course at the Louisville Seminary, 
graduating with the degree of Th. G. His ordination occurred 
at the Franklin Street church, Louisville, in 1898. He spent one 
year as missionary in Kentucky, and two years in Mississippi. 
He has been pastor of fourteen churches during the last few 
years, serving some of them half time and others one-fourth 
time. He has baptized 158 persons into the membership of 
the churches, besides doing other pastoral work. 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 257 



On the 8th of September, 1904, he was married to Miss 
Lura Ella Barnes, near Crystal Springs, Miss. 

Mr. Jacob lives at Glading, Miss., his present work being with 
East Fork, Hebron and Berwick churches. He is a young man 
of good literary training, and is conscientious and zealous in 
his work. 



1905 East Fork is the place of meetin g ° n the 9tn 

of November. This late date of holding the 
session was because of the appearance of yellow fever again in 
the fall, and the consequent excitement attending it. The 
weather was inclement the first two days, and the attendance 
was small. Eighteen churches sent messengers, and the officers 
chosen were W. B. Kinabrew, moderator; T. C. Schilling, clerk, 
and T. J. J. Spurlock, treasurer. 

The Glading church was received, her delegates being J. J. 
Walker and J. J. Newman. 

The visitors were: J. R. Johnson, from the Carey Associa- 
tion ; I. H. Anding, from the Bogue Chitto ; 0. M. Lucas, of The 
Baptist; A. V. Howe, from the Convention Board ; "W. T. Lowrey, 
of Mississippi College. 

T. J. Barksdale preached the annual sermon on the second 
day of the meeting, his text being Matt. 28: 18-20. Theme: 
" World Evangelization." 

A resolution was adopted, making pastors who have work in 
the Association members of the body and entitled to vote. 

W. T. Lowrey represented the "building movement," then on 
in Mississippi College, aud, after a stirring address on the work 
of the institution, he raised in cash and- subscriptions something 
over $1,400 for this object. 

Good reports were made on the different subjects, that on 
' ' Church Discipline, ' ' presented by J. J. Walker, being specially 
strong. 

At this time the country was having much annoyance with 
what was known as the "C. O. D." business— viz., immense 
quantities of liquor were being shipped through the express 
companies in "C. 0. D." packages into prohibition territory, 
protection being claimed under the interstate commerce laws. A 
lengthy and well- written report on temperance was submitted 
by D. S. McDaniel, chairman, from which this extract is taken: 
"We believe the time has come when, if we are to be true am- 



258 ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 

bassadors for Christ, and expect to make any advancement along 
the line of temperance, we must begin a more rigid enforcement 
of church discipline, and thus try to awaken in our communi- 
ties and in our homes a stronger sentiment against liquor in 
every form. Just how far it is expedient for us to go with this 
enforcement is the business of this body to discuss and deter- 
mine. One thing we do know : That, with the C. 0. D. package 
shipments, our county, through dry by ballot, is wet by practice. 
And, under the ruling of the Federal Court, the business is 
made legal. The express companies are the legal agents, and the 
express office the open saloon." 

A resolution was adopted in connection with this report, ask- 
ing the Congressmen from Mississippi to take steps at the next 
session of Congress to so modify the interstate commerce laws 
as to prohibit the shipping of whisky from one State into pro- 
hibition territory of another State. 

There is also published in this minute a copy of an appeal 
recently sent out by a convention of accredited delegates from 
Jackson, Miss., looking to the suppression of the C. 0. D. 
business. 

On the Lord's day there was preaching by Elders J. E. Phil- 
lips, a visitor, and E. Gardner. 

This being the ninety-ninth annual session, it was agreed to 
meet next year with Ebenezer church, and a committee of three 
—viz., J. J. Walker, T. C. Schilling and S. W. Sproles— was ap- 
pointed to confer with a similar committee from Ebenezer, look- 
ing to a suitable arrangement of services for the centennial 
meeting in 1906. 

A new preacher appears this year— ^lz., Elder A. H. Clark, 
pastor at Centerville. 

The closing paragraph of this year's minutes says: "On mo- 
tion, the Association adjourned to meet with Ebenezer church 
on Thursday before the second Sunday in October, 1906, being 
led in a closing prayer by T. J. Barksdale. And thus the ninety- 
ninth annual session, harmonious and glorious, passed into 
history. ' ' 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. ' 259 

A. H. Clark was born near Hermanville, Miss., March 20, 
1883. He was converted, at the age of fourteen, at Brushy Fork 
church, under the preaching of Elder Theodore Whitfield. Early 
in life he felt called to preach, and entered Mississippi College 
when eighteen years old. While in college he served as pastor 
of the Carpenter Baptist church two years. He was on the 
magazine staff as review editor, was anniversarian of the Theo- 
logical Society one year, and was also selected by his class to 
speak at the alumni banquet. His ordination occurred at Her- 




A. H. CLARK. 

manville, Miss., in 1903, and he was graduated from the college 
in 1905. 

On the 10th of October, 1906, he was married to Miss Annye 
Jackson, of Woodland, La. 

Mr. Clark is located at Centerville, Miss., serving as pastor 
there for half time. He also ministers to Amite River and 
Bethel churches, in Amite county, and to Hepzibah and Wood- 
land, in Louisiana, preaching in the morning and afternoon. He 
is a young man of energy and consecration, and promises to be 
of much service in the cause of Christ. 



260 



ABSTEACT HISTORY OF THE 



W. I. Causey was born where he now lives, in Amite county, 
Mississippi, November 24, 1852. He was educated in the com- 
mon schools, with two years at the University of Mississippi. 

In 1881 he was married to Miss Hattie McLain, and to them 
ten children have been born, seven sons and three daughters, 
all living. He professed religion in 1883, uniting with New 
Providence church. 




W. I. CAUSEY. 



Mr. Causey has served two terms in the State Legislature, one 
in the lower house and one in the Senate. He is a grandson of 
William Causey, who was one of the ten delegates in 1807, and 
who was elected treasurer of the body in 1813. 

Mr. Causey is the present treasurer of the Association, hav- 
ing been elected at the centennial meeting in 1906. He is a man 
of conservative methods and good influence. 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 



261 



I. H. Anding was born near Caseyville, Miss., February 18, 
1847. His father died in 1854, and the lad was reared by a 
Christian mother, whose example in the love of God's Word 
and the church, together with the religious precepts she strove 
to inculcate in her children, left their impress on his young 
mind. Being reared on the farm, his school advantages were 
what could be obtained at a very good country school. The 
Civil War coming on when he was only fourteen years old, in- 




I. H. ANDING. 

terfered with his progress in school work. He enlisted in the 
cavalry service for the last year of the war, and was with Col. 
Power's regiment in South Mississippi and East Louisiana, be- 
ing paroled with his company in 1865 at Gainesville, Ala. 

The desolating hand of war had so crippled educational work 
in the State that the hope of further pursuing a course of study 
was abandoned. 

It was in 1863 when Mr. Anding professed religion, uniting 
with New Providence church, of which Elder S. G. Mullins 



262 ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 

(now of Texas) was pastor. After the war, when near the age 
of twenty, he was married to Miss Louisa J. Allred. A little 
farm near the old home was opened up and improved by his own 
hands, where for a few years the young couple lived very hap- 
pily. 

In 1870 the Philadelphia church, which had mainly grown 
out of the New Providence church, encouraged him to exercise 
his gifts for preaching. In 1871, at the instance of Elder A. A. 
Lomax, who was then the educational secretary of Mississippi 
College, he decided to rent out his little farm and enter school 
at Clinton. This, however, after much anxiety and prayer. The 
home, though rude, was dear, and it seemed that, for the lack 
of means, there was no way to carry out this purpose, and he so 
remarked to Bro. Lomax. His instant reply was, "Where there 
is a will there is a way." Acting upon this adage, the little 
home was left to a tenant, and the move with the family was 
made to Clinton. The adage has been a helpful reminder 
through the years that have followed. 

His ordination to the ministry occurrel in 1872, the ordain- 
ing council being composed of Elders Solomon Buffkin and Chas. 
M. Gordon. 

He was graduated from the college in 1877 in a class of ten, 
having taken the A. B. course with first honors. In 1882-83 he 
attended the Seminary at Louisville. 

During these years Mr. Anding has had eventful experiences. 
The wife of his youth is buried at Clinton, Miss. The second 
wife, to whom he was married in 1877, is buried at Gallman, 
Miss. His third wife was Miss Mary Hyland, to whom he was 
married in Crystal Springs, Miss., in 1893 From the three 
unions there are seven children living. His work has been 
about evenly divided between country and town churches. For 
the past twenty years he has held pastorates with the Gallman, 
Crystal Springs, Utica and Summit churches. He has also had 
many happy country pastorates. He has resided for the past 
ten years at Summit, Miss. Here the church has full-time work, 
has a good Sunday school and prayer-meeting, a Young Peo- 
ple's Union and a Woman's Missionary Union. A substantial 
and commodious brick house of worship has just been com- 
pleted at a cost of $10,000. 

Mr. Anding has been for a number of years a member of the 
Convention Board, and he is at present the moderator of the 
Bogue Chitto Association. He was one of the speakers at the 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 



263 



centennial meeting of the Mississippi Association, and was also 
appointed on the Curtis Monument Committee. He is a good 
preacher, has a jovial nature, and is held in high esteem by his 
people and the brotherhood generally. 




A. V. ROWE. 



A. V. Rowe was born at Lexington, Miss., April 28, 1848. His 
parents were Dr. A. V. and Mrs. M. A. Rowe, both of whom 
departed this life when their son had just entered his teens. He 
was educated in the common schools of Lexington, and was pre- 
pared for the sophomore class when he entered Mississippi Col- 
lege in his twenty-second year. He graduated from this institu- 
tion in 1872, delivering the Latin salutatory of his class. While 
in college he represented his literary society in a prize debate, 
and was anniversarian of the same society in the spring of 1872. 
He entered the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in the 
fall of the same year, where he remained two years, less one 
month. He then came home to undertake missionary work in 



264 ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 

the Yazoo Association, in connection with H. T. Haddick, his 
classmate in college and at the seminary. This work resulted 
in the organization of the church at Goodman, besides many- 
good meetings held in the bounds of the Association. In the 
early fall he gave up the mission work, as did also Mr. Haddick, 
to take the pastorate at Durant, Goodman and Lexington, while 
his friend went to the pastorate of the Grenada church, ending 
his life there in the yellow fever scourge that afflicted that town. 

Mr. Howe 's wife was Miss Fannie J. Dodds, of Crystal Springs, 
Miss., who has been a worthy companion to her husband in all 
the work of his life. 

In 1882 he went to Clinton to become pastor of the Baptist 
church, and after several years of service he was called 'to the 
chair of Latin in the college, on the death of Prof. Timberlake. 
He returned to Durant in 1885 to assume the pastorate of the 
church there, and at the same time to be principal of the high 
school. He remained here until he was called to the church at 
Winona in 1888, where he labored as pastor in connection with 
Durant and Bethel in Yazoo county. 

In 1893 Mr. Rowe was elected corresponding secretary of the 
Convention Board, on the retirement of J. T. Christian, which 
position he has continued to fill with marked ability and success. 
During his whole life as pastor and teacher, he had been a mem- 
ber of the State Mission Board, and then of the Convention 
Board, so that in assuming the duties of secretary he was not 
altogether a new man to the work. He has seen the receipts 
of the Board grow from less than $15,000 a year for missions to 
the sum of $72,000. The amount of church building in State 
mission fields has each year been close to $30,000, while baptisms 
to the number of 13,495 have been registered on State mission 
fields. 

Mr. Rowe is a man of great physical endurance and of deep 
consecration. He is an able preacher and an exceptionally good 
speaker. His addresses on missions all over Mississippi have 
moved thousands of Baptist hearts to do larger things for the 
Redeemer's kingdom. He is withal a humble servant of the 
Master, and his work will abide through the coming generations. 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, 



>65 




EBENEZER CHURCH. 



The above is a picture of the present house of worship of 
Ebenezer church, where the centennial meeting of the Mississippi 
Baptist Association was held in 1906. 



1 QOfi ^ € nOW come to tne one hundredth annual ses- 

sion of the "Old Mississippi." From the 
time of the preliminary organization at "Salem," in 1806, to the 
present, we have traced her footprints, as year by year, in war 
and in peace, she has made history. 

How small was the beginning of Baptist affairs in Mississippi 
one hundred years ago, when there were only five weak churches, 
widely separated, with a membership of less than two hundred! 
Towns and cities were "few and far between," and no vesti- 
bule trains thundered along the valleys. The click of the tele- 
graph was not heard in the land, and no "hello" girls were em- 
ployed to rin? telephone bells and give distant places instant 
communication. 
(18) 



266 ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 

A few faithful men of God, such as Richard Curtis, Ezra 
Courtney, Moses Hadley, Thomas Mercer and David Cooper, car- 
ried the glad tidings to the new settlements, fording the streams 
and following Indian paths in order to reach their appointments. 
And their courageous zeal continues to this day to be living proof 
of the gospel's power in the lives of men. 

The centennial meeting was a great occasion, being held with 
Ebenezer, one of the first five churches, and embracing October 
11th to the 14th. This church was also one hundred years old in 
1906, which added historic interest to the occasion. On this spot 
congregations have gathered for a hundred years. Here the 
songs of Zion have been sung and the gospel has been proclaimed 
for this long period. Many preachers, whose voices once rang 
over these grounds, now sleep in distant graveyards; while a 
large company of the saints, whose homes were hereabout, rest 
in the old cemetery, waiting their Lord's return. Wars have 
come and gone, governments have changed hands, kings and 
queens have reigned and passed away, and still the people assem- 
ble here for worship. 

Here also the Mississippi Association has held many meetings, 
devising ways and means for the extension of the Redeemer's 
kingdom. And perhaps no session of the body was ever attended 
with greater interest, or was more enjoyed, than was the " Cen- 
tennial. ' ' Nor was anyone happier at this meeting than the mod" 
erator. Dr. W. B. Kinabrew, whose home is here and who has 
given his life to this church and community. 

Dr. Kinabrew and T. C. Schilling were retained as moderator 
and clerk respectively, while W. I. Causey, of Berwick, was 
chosen treasurer. 

The visitors were : A. V. Rowe, from the Convention Board ; 
I. H. Anding, from the Bogue Chitto Association; J. E. Lowe, 
from the Lincoln county; J. B. Polk and J. R. Johnson, from 
the Carey. 

Elder B. D. Gray, of the Home Mission Board, Atlanta, Ga., 
had accepted an invitation to preach the centennial sermon, but 
was detained on account of recent race troubles in his city. W. T. 
Lowrey, President of Mississippi College, had also accepted a 
place on the program, but failed to come. The committee then 
named I. H. Anding and T. C. Schilling to preach on the 
Lord's day. 

AY. A. McComb, of Gloster, preached the annual sermon from 
I Cor. 15:58. 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 267 

On the second day, morning session, I. H. Anding read a very 
entertaining paper on the "History of Mississippi Baptists for 
One Hundred Years. ' ' Mr. Anding also exhibited a rock brought 
to this State by Richard Curtis one hundred and twenty-six 
years ago. The stone is of a yellowish color, is smooth and rather 
flat, and weighs sixteen and a half pounds. It is said to have 
been used in the Curtis family for beating shoe leather. It is the 
property of Mrs. Norman, living near Summit, and who is a 
great granddaughter of Richard Curtis. 

Dr. J. M. Curtis, a great grandson of the pioneer preacher, 
was present at this meeting. There were also present a number 
of persons who are descendants of the original families of South- 
west Mississippi, one of whom was Mrs. Perkins, of Baywood, 
La., a granddaughter of Elder Bailey Chaney, already men- 
tioned in this book. 

The matter of placing a suitable monument at the grave of 
Richard Curtis was considered, and a committee was appointed 
to make an appeal for funds and to superintend the work of 
erecting the monument. It should be added that a small monu- 
ment to Mr. Curtis' memory was erected at this church a good 
many years ago, but the grave, which is^near by, has remained 
unmarked. 

J. J. Walker presented a fine report on missions, beginning: 
"Only once in the history of God's people were they commanded 
to 'stand still and see the salvation of the Lord,' and that was 
of short duration. Soon the order came, 'Speak unto the chil- 
dren of Israel that they go forward,' which seemed to be the 
watchword till our Lord came and gave his life for a lost world. 
Then came the commission, 'Go ye into all the world and preach 
the gospel to every creature, ' which is to be the marching orders 
of His redeemed ones until the end of the ages. ' ' 

On this report Secretary Rowe delivered a fervent and timely 
address. The Centennial Committee had asked him to speak on 
the "Enlargement and Progress of Missions," and on this sub- 
ject Mr. Rowe was at his best. Among other things, he said: 

"One hundred years ago there were seven missionary boards 
in the world, giving $25,000 a year. Now there are three hun- 
dred boards and societies, expending annually $15,000,000. Fif- 
teen years ago Mississippi Baptists were giving $15,000 a year to 
missions ; now it is $55,000. 

"What shall it be fifteen years hence, when another shall 
stand where your secretary now stands, and what will your 
offerings be?" 



268 ABSTRACT HISTORY OF THE 

From the above figures it will be seen that missionary boards 
and societies are forty-three times greater in number, and the 
contributions six hundred times more, than when this Associa- 
tion began her career one hundred years ago. Great also has been 
the progress made in Sunday school work, in Christian education, 
in religious periodicals and temperance, while the development of 
material things is little short of marvelous. 

The first contribution of money reported by the Mississippi 
Association was in 1808, the amount being $26.50. In 1906 the 
Association gave the sum of $11,687.64; while the amount re- 
ported by the Mississippi Baptist State Convention for this year 
was $368,881.90. 

In 1807 the Association reported three baptisms and 196 mem- 
bers; in 1906 there were 245 baptisms and 2,980 members. The 
number of baptisms in the State for this year (State convention; 
was 6,681, and the membership numbered more than one hun- 
dred thousand. The total number of baptisms by the Mississippi 
Association for the hundred years is 13,369, and the amount 
of money reported for the various objects, $137,834.34. 

When the" Old Mississippi" was organized in 1806, there were 
only a few ordained Baptist preachers in the State, and church 
property was worth at most but a few hundred dollars. In 
1906 there were over six hundred ordained ministers, and church 
property was valued at $1,090,502.95. In 1806 there were no 
Baptist Sunday schools in Mississippi; in 1906 there were 934 
schools, with an enrollment of 33,894 pupils. 

In 1806 there were no Baptist schools and no Baptist orphan- 
age in Mississippi ; in 1906 the Orphanage at Jackson reported a 
property value of $100,000, with 108 children being cared for; 
while Baptist institutions had property and endowment amount- 
ing to $253,000, with a large and increasing patronage. 

In 1806 there was no Baptist paper in Mississippi; now we 
have the Baptist Record, an able weekly, carrying the religious 
news into thousands of Baptist homes and furnishing a means of 
communication for our large and growing work. 

It should be added that the General Association of East Mis- 
sissippi is also a large and influential body, having a religious 
paper, and being engaged in mission and other denominational 
work. 

It would also be interesting to give the items of Baptist pro- 
gress for East Louisiana, once a part of the Association's terri- 



MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 269 

tory, were the data at hand. It may be remarked, however, that 
commendable advancement has been made. 

The closing paragraph of the minutes for 1906 is as follows : 
"Thus passes into history the first centennial meeting of the 
Mississippi Association, a meeting remarkable for its harmony 
and deep devotional spirit. One hundred years ago there were 
in Mississippi five Baptist churches with less than two hundred 
members. Now there are 55 associations, 1,300 churches, and 
more than 100,000 members. If the Savior shall delay His com- 
ing, and another centennial shall come, great will be the changes, 
and greater, perhaps, will be the progress reported." 

We have now reached the end, and our task is finished. If the 
reader has been entertained, and the cause of our Lord shall be 
served, the purpose of the book will be accomplished. 




OFFICERS OF THE MISSISSIPPI ASSOCIATION DURING 100 YEARS. 



Year. 



Moderator. 



Clerk. 



Treasurer. 



1807 Moses Hadley. 

1808 David Cooper. 

1809 David Cooper. 

1810 David Cooper. 

1811 Thomas Mercer. 

1812 Moses Hadley. 

1813 Moses Hadley. 

1814 Ezra Courtney. 

1815 Moses Hadley. 

1816 Natnan Morris. 

1817 David Cooper. 

1818 David Cooper. 

1819 David Cooper. 

1820 .L/avid Cooper. 

1821 Samuel Marsh. 

1822 David Cooper. 

1823 David Cooper. 

1824 David Cooper. 

1825 Ezra Courtney. 

1826 Ezra Courtney. 

1827 Chas. Felder. 

1828 Chas. Felder. 

1829 Ezra Courtney. 

1830 Ezra Courtney. 

1831 Ezra Courtney. 

1832 Chas. Felder. 

1833 Ezra Courtney. 

1834 Ezra Courtney. 

1835 Chas. Felder. 

1836 Chas. Felder. 

1837 Chas. Felder. 

1838 Chas. Felder. 

1839 Chas. Felder. 
184'0 Chas. Felder. 

1841 Shadrach Coker. 

1842 Chas. Felder. 

1843 Zaehariah Eeeves. 

1844 Shadrach Coker. 

1845 Zaehariah Eeeves. 

1846 Zaehariah Eeeves. 

1847 Zaehariah Eeeves. 

1848 Zaehariah Eeeves. 

1849 Zaehariah Eeeves. 

1850 Zaehariah Eeeves. 

1851 Zaehariah Eeeves. 

1852 Zaehariah Eeeves. 

1853 Zaehariah Eeeves. 

1854 Zaehariah Eeeves. 

1855 Zaehariah Eeeves. 

1856 Zaehariah Eeeves. 



Eobert Tanner. 
David Snodgrass. 
William Snodgrass. 
Moses Hadley. 
David Cooper. 
Joseph J. Lawton. 
George Eang. 
William Snodgrass. 
William Snodgrass. 
William Snodgrass 
Benjamin Davis. 
William Snodgrass. 
William Snodgrass. 
Elliott Estes. 
Elliott Estes. 
William Balfour. 
Elliott Estes. 
Elliott Estes. 
Elisha Andrews. 
J. A. Eanaldson. 
Chas. G. Hatch. 
J. A. Eanaldson. 
J. A. Eanaldson. 
Maston 'Grain. 
David Lea. 
David Lea. 
David Lea. 
David Lea. 
H. D. F. Eoberts. 
H. D. F. Eoberts. 
H. D. F. Eoberts. 
H. D. F. Eoberts. 
C. E. Pinckney. 
J. B. Smith. 
Ham McKnight. 
Thomas M. Bond. 
H. D. F. Eoberts. 
G. P. Claughton. 
G. P. Claughton. 
G. P. Claughton. 
G. P. Claughton. 
G. P. Claughton. 
G. P. Claughton. 
u. P. Claughton. 
^. P. Claughton. 
G. P. Claughton. 
C. C. Cain. 
C. C. Cain. 
Lewis Perkins. 
Lewis Perkins. 



John Coulter. 

John Coulter. 

John Coulter. 

John Coulter. 

John Coulter. 

John Coulter. 

William Causey. 

William Causey. 

William Causey. 

William Causey. 

William Causey. 

William Causey. 

William Causey. 

J. M. Mumford. 

J. M. Mumford. 

J. M. Mumford. 

J. M. Mumford. 

J. M. Mumford. 

J. M. Mumford. 

J. M. Mumford. 

J. M. Mumford. 

J. M. Mumford. 

J. M. Mumford. 

David Lea. 

David Lea. 

David Lea. 

David Lea. 

David Lea. 

David Lea. 

David Lea. 

David Lea. 

David Lea. 

David Lea. 

David Lea. 

David Lea. 

David Lea. 

David Lea. 

Thomas E. Cheatham. 

Thomas E. Cheatham. 

Thomas E. Cheatham. 

Thomas E. Cheatham. 

Thomas E. Cheatham. 

Thomas E. Cheatham. 

Thomas E. Cheatham. 

E. J. Causey and J. B. Quin. 

E. J. Causey and J. B. Quin. 

E. J. Causey and J. B. Quin. 

James A. Jenkins. 

James A. Jenkins. 

James A. Jenkins. 



OFFICERS OF THE MISSISSIPPI ASSOCIATION DURING 100 
YEARS — Continued. 



Year. 

1857 
1858 
1859 
1860 
1861 
1862 
1863 
1864 
1865 
1866 
1867 
1868 
1869 
1870 
1871 
1872 
1873 
1874 
1875 
1876 
1877 
1878 
1879 
1880 
1881 
1882 
1883 
1884 
1885 
1886 
1887 
1888 
1889 
1890 
1891 
1892 
1893 
1894 
1895 
1896 
1897 
1898 
1899 
1900 
1901 
1902 
1903 
1904 
1905 
1906 



Moderator. 

Zachariah Eeeves. 
Zachariah Beeves. 
Zachariah Eeeves. 
Zachariah Eeeves. 
Zachariah Eeeves. 
Ham McKnight, 
Zachariah Eeeves. 
J. E. Graves. 
J. E. Graves. 
Zachariah Eeeves. 
Zachariah Eeeves. 
Zachariah Eeeves. 
Zachariah Eeeves. 
Zachariah Eeeves. 
W. W. Bolls. 
W. W. Bolls. 
S. Buffkin. 
S. Buffkin. 
S. Buffkin. 
S. Buffkin. 
W. W. Bolls. 
W. W. Bolls. 
W. W. Bolls. 
W. W. Bolls. 
W W. Bolls. 
W. W. Bolls. 
W. W. Bolls. 
W. W. Bolls. 
W. W. Bolls. 
E. N. Hall. 
E. N. Hall. 
E. N. Hall. 
E. J. Stewart. 
E. J. Stewart. 
E. J. Stewart. 
E. J. Stewart. 
E. J. Stewart. 
E. J. Stewart. 
John, P. Hemby. 
E. A. .bates. 
E. A. Bates. 
E, A. Bates. 
E. A. Bates. 
J. H. Lane. 
T. C. Schilling. 
W. B. Kinabrew. 
Ww B. Kinabrew. 
W. B. Kinabrew. 
W. B. Kinabrew. 
W. B. Kinabrew. 



Clerk. 

Geo. F. Webb. 
Geo. F. Webb. 
Ham McKnight. 
Ham McKnight. 
Ham McKnight. 
W. H. F. Edwards. 
W. H. F. Edwards. 
W. H. F. Edwards. 
A. J. Everett. 
A. J. Everett. 
A. J. Everett. 
A. J. Everett. 
S. Buffkin. 
A. J. Everett. 
Geo. F. Webb. 
Geo. F. Webb. 
H. H. Eatcliff. 
H. H. Eatcliff. 
^.. J. Everett. 
Chas. C. Nauck. 
J. A. Bolls. 
J. A. Bolls. 
Joseph Buckles. 
Joseph Buckles. 
E. W. Spencer. 
E. W. Spencer. 
L. ». Piker. 
G. h. Eogers. 
E. N. Hall. 
D. M. Huff. 
D. M. Huff. 
D. M. Huff. 

D. M. Huff. 
John P. Hemby. 
oohn P. Hemby. 
John P. Hemby. 
P. L. Marsalis. 
P. L. Marsalis. 
P. L. Marsalis. 
T. C. Schilling. 

E. Gardner. 
E. Gardner. 
E. Gardner. 
E. Gardner. 
E. Gardner. 

T. C. Schilling. 
T. C. Schilling. 
J. M. Causey. 
T. C. Schilling. 
T. C. Schilling. 



Treasurer. 

J. A. Jenkins and J. 
J. A. Jenkins and J. 
J. A. Jenkins and J. 
J. A. Jenkins and J. 
J. A. Jenkins and J. 
J. A. Jenkins and J. 
J. A. Jenkins and J. 
J. A. Jenkins and J. 
J. A. Jenkins and J. 
J. A. Jenkins and J. 
J. A. Jenkins and J. 
J. A. Jenkins and J. 
J. A. Jenkins and J. 
J. A. Jenkins and E. 
W. Z. Lea and E. B. 
W. Z. Lea. 
J. E. Sample. 
J. E. Sample. 
J. E. Sample. 
J. E. Sample. 
J. E. Sample. 
W. Z. Lea. 
W. Z. Lea. 
W. Z. Lea. 
W. Z. Lea. 
W. Z. Lea. 
W. Z. Lea. 
W. Z. Lea. 
W. Z. Lea. 
W. Z. Lea. 
W. Z. Lea. 
W. Z. Lea. 
W, P. Gardner. 
W. P. Gardner. 
W. P. Gardner. 
S. E. Quin. 
S. E. Quin. 
S. E. Quin. 
T. J. Hewitt. 
T. J. Hewitt. 
T. J. Hewitt. 
T. J. Hewitt. 
Sam. B. Eobinson. 
William H. Causey. 
Jeff. D. Lea. 
Jeff. D. Lea. 
Jeff. D. Lea. 
T. J. J. Spurlock. 
T. J. J. Spurlock. 
W. I. Causey. 



B. Quin. 
B. Quin. 
B. Quin. 
B. Quin. 
B. Quin. 
B. Quin. 
B. Quin. 
B. Quin. 
B. Quin. 
B. Quin. 
B. Quin. 
B. Quin. 
B. Quin. 
B. McLain. 
^McLain. 



ABSTEACT HISTOEY OP THE 



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MINISTERS OF THE MISSISSIPPI ASSOCIATION DURING 
100 YEARS. 



Eichard Curtis. 
Ezra Courtney. 
Moses Hadley. 
David Cooper. 
Thomas Mercer. 
Lawrence Scarborough. 
David Snodgrass. 
John Atkins. 
Joseph Slocumb. 
John Smith. 
Howell Wall. 
Bailey E. Cnaney. 
George King. 
Isham Nettles. 
Henry Humble. 
Ezekiel O'Quin. 
Eobert Smith. 
Samuel J. Boyd. 
John Lee. 
Josiah Flower. 
William Cooker. 
Nathan Morris. 
William Whitehead. 
William Allen. 
Benjamin Davis. 
J. A. Ranaldson. 
John P. Martin. 
Davis Collins. 
Samuel Marsh. 
Charles Felder. 
Shadrach Coker. 
Asa Mercer. 
E. Andrews. 
EUiott Estes. 
William Balfour. 
G. A. Irion. 
William Martin. 
J. Cain. 
James Bailey. 
J. Creath. 
Jesse Young. 
Wilson Clark. 
Zaehariah Eeeves. 
Alexander McKenzie. 
Hamilton McKnight. 
J. D. McFarland. 
Moses Seal. 
Rowland Wilkinson. 
William Thompson. 
Adam Cloy. 
T. Kingsberry. 
H. D. F. Eoberts. 



Calvin Magee. 
Isaac Muse. 
David Eoberts. 
Thomas M. Bond. 
M. W. Crestman. 
William East. 
Milton S. Shirk. 
Frederick Clark. 
W. H. Bailey. 
J. H. Smiley. 
William Whitney. 
John G. Taylor. 
J. B. Smith. 
W. B. WaU. 
N. A. Skillinger. 
M. Barlow. 
H. Wall. 
M. T. Conn. 
Thomas Meredith. 
William Green. 
T. J. Hudson. 
John A. Wooten. 
Elihu McKay. 
Elijah Young. 
S. W. Bullock. 

C. L. Oliver. 
Ed. Kingsberry. 
S. S. Eelyea. 

E. M. Tabof. 

D. Eby. 
Carroll Clark. 
Elbert Eush. 

W. M. Stambaugh. 
H. H. Thompson. 
W. H. F. Edwards. 
J. F. Cook. 
J. E. Graves. 
Lorenzo Schofield. 
Chas. H. Otken. 

E. P. Douglas. 
W. W. Bolls. 
Z. Lofton. 
Solomon Buffkin. 
Henry G. Quin. 
T. J. Drane. 
James Newman. 
William J. Everett, 
Silas H. Thompson. 
W. H. Tucker. 

S. Morris. 
E. A. Taylor. 
A. L. Travillian. 



W. H. Eobert. 
E. J. McNeil. 
J. A. Bolls. 

D. D. Eollins. 

W. D. Thompson. 
G. W. Farmer. 

E. N. Hall. 
Peter Turner. 
J. E. Mullins. 
D. S. H. Cox. 

D. A. Given. 
John P. Hemby. 
W. H. Weatherly. 
M. M. Whitney. 
B. A. Crawford. 
Joseph Buckles. 

E. W. Spencer. 
T. P. Stewart. 
S. E. Young. 

L, S. Piker. 

S. M. Provence. 

Thomas Lansdell. 

G. B. Eogers. 

B. N. Hatch. 

S. W. Sibley. 

Z. T. Leavell. 

H. S. Archer. 

E. J. Stewart. 

J. E. Baham. 

E. T. Smith. 

M. T. Martin. 

O. IS. Harrington. 

J. M. Cook. 

E. Gardner. 

T. C. Schilling. 

J. H. Lane. 

W. A. Hewitt. 

John P. Culpepper. 

W. K. Anderson. 

J. J. Walker. 

W. A. MeComb. 

Joseph Jacob. 

S. W. Sproles. 

T. J. Barksdale. 

J. J. Stringfield. 

A. H. Clark. 

L. E. Green. 

J. P. May. 

H. S. Archer, Jr. 

J. W. Berry. 

Benton Meyers. 



BAPTISMS, MEMBERS AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE MISSIS- 
SIPPI ASSOCIATION FOR 100 YEARS. 

Bap- Mem- 
Year, tisms. bers. 

1807 3 196 

1808 2 236 

1809 15 251 

1810 9 277 

1811 13 334 

1812 91 494 

1813 246 914 

1814 106 1,071 

1815 80 1,048 

1816 23 695 

1817 43 1,158 

1818 44 1,072 

1819 54 1,125 

1820 61 863 
1821 
1822 
1823 

1824 45 551 
1825 

1826 57 612 

1827 84 348 

1828 88 833 

1829 30 870 

1830 110 734 

1831 28 790 

1832 27 670 

1833 15 530 

1834 8 416 

1835 18 475 

1836 111 581 

1837 554 1,155 

1838 101 1,227 
1839 

1840 56 1,242 

1841 465 1,661 

1842 332 1,4-0 

1843 89 1,360 

1844 35 668 

1845 57 816 

1846 103 1,051 

1847 73 1,103 

1848 135 1,085 

1849 129 1,297 

1850 53 1,198 

1851 123 1,295 

1852 138 1,407 

1853 176 1,586 

1854 288 1,761 

1855 180 1,981 

1856 227 2,058 

Total 4725 $6,327.75 8,644 $131,506.59 
Grand Totals— Baptisms, 13,369; Contributions, $137,834.34. 

Note — The baptisms reported above approximately represent the number for 
the hundred years; while it is quite impossible to arrive at anything 
like the correct number of members, owing to the constant additions 
and withdrawals. As to the contributions, this table by no means rep- 
resents the amount of money given. Until recent years the financial 
reports were very meager. 



Contri- 




Bap- 


Mem- 


Contri- 


butions. 


Year. 


tisms. 


bers. 


btutiotoB. 




1857 


58 


1,277 


$378.75 


$26.50 


1858 


129 


2,089 


500.75 




1859 


138 


1,845 


791.37 


24.87 


1860 


493 


2,787 


846.10 




1861 


101 


2,437 


698.40 


31.12 


1862 


53 


2,385 


262.00 


42.06 


1863 


85 


1,950 


765.00 


41.31 


1864 


483 


2,158 


791.94 


84.43 


1865 


149 


2,400 


288.70 


219.75 


1866 


101 


2,238 


182.00 


136.84 


1867 


293 


2,455 


177.95 


234.61 


1868 


175 


2,321 


99.50 


144.25 


1869 


165 


2,401 


234.90 


42.00 


1870 


348 


2,419 


988.00 


68.62 


1871 


158 


2,516 


415.50 


85.37 


1872 


307 


2,280 


132.00 


83.00 


1873 


183 


1,789 


542.00 


141.38 


1874 


221 


1,940 


88.50 


90.00 


1875 


134 


1,986 


458.98 


172.50 


1876 


75 


2,183 


277.15 


109.12 


1877 


76 


2,323 


158.43 


157.99 


1878 


75 


2,227 


160.40 


127.87 


1879 


86 


1,974 


242.60 


47.13 


1880 


199 


2,255 


328.35 


82.91 


1881 


147 


2,293 


359.50 


111.62 


1882 


116 


2,238 


464.00 


177.08 


1883 


132 


2,173 


740.95 


100.80 


1884 


221 


2,536 


442.65 


87.93 


1885 


163 


2,343 


402.70 


79.32 


1886 


153 


2,086 


577.55 


110.22 


1887 


325 


2,349 


1,941.50 


129.00 


1888 


213 


2,560 


2,031.05 


133.75 


1889 


159 


2,686 


566.41 


114.13 


1890 


162 


2,616 


5,382.85 


161.37 


1891 


151 


2,820 


8,472.00 


115.77 


1892 


164 


3,026 


5,371.76 


68.35 


1893 


117 


3,151 


4,959.75 


75.00 


1894 


110 


3,096 


4,918.85 


107.82 


1895 


160 


3,042 


4,649.35 


108.30 


1896 


281 


3,552 


3,739.25 


102.52 


1897 


98 


732 


3,476.10 


100.79 


1898 


64 


1,472 


3,359.75 


100.30 


1899 


126 


2,327 


5,504.27 


113.20 


1900 


100 


2,208 


5,665.20 


123.25 


1901 


208 


2,692 


6,779.99 


132.80 


1902 


186 


2,370 


9,105.28 


246.00 


1903 


165 


2,520 


7,437.66 


363.55 


1904 


216 


2,665 


11,066.31 


639.45 


1905 


177 


3,254 


10,589.00 


531.80 


1906 


245 


2,980 


11,687.64 



